Bio
A life without writing was never an option for me. I mean, I tried it — archaeology, acting and teaching all crossed my list of possible professions. But the teaching was only because I am obsessive compulsive, and love organizing and stickers; stardom was the result of my need to be completely glamorous; and the archaeology came from the idea that it would be cool to dig stuff up … and write about it.
So, you can see where that left me.
Some of my fondest memories from there on out include authoring my first “novel” at age seven, winning the third grade spelling bee and garnering my first position as an editor for my high school newspaper.
When I hit college in 2002, I pursued my degree in journalism, and since then, my work has been featured in several publications, including REDBOOK magazine, Entrepreneur.com, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Ideal Bite, Maniac magazine, Observer-Reporter and Divorce360. I am also the Dance Critic for the Dayton City Paper and an editorial assistant at Lime.com. (Check out the clips page for samples of my work.) By the way, I earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Point Park University in 2005.
I cover material of all sorts, but I have developed a knack for lifestyle writing, including women’s interest, eco-friendly living, and health and fitness. Training for a Pilates body, discussing the so-called glass ceiling with women business professionals and finding an organic cake for a “green” wedding are just a few of the topics I have delivered to my readers. In the past, I have been the Lead Alternative Health writer for Carrie & Danielle, and I was even in charge of dishing out health-related news (May 2008 to January 2009) on the Diet and Fitness channel at First30Days, a resource for anyone who is looking to make a change.
But I also practice what I preach. I have been a runner for more than ten years, I am a certified Pilates instructor, and I practice yoga, weight lifting and cycling.
I take an active interest in nonprofit organizations, such as the Animal Rescue League, Habitat for Humanity and Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, having participated in and raised money for the Race for the Cure for the past three years.
In addition to my family and fiancé, Dan, my other passions include Thai food, singing loudly in the car and anything double-double chocolate.
I also have four of the best staff members in the world: My kittens, Emerson, Cooper, Simon and Madeline who all reside with me in New York City.
© Copyright 2009, Caroline Shannon
