As a former reporter and anchor, Joan specializes in writing news releases. As an excellent writer who grew up in the church, she loves to write sermons. She also enjoys writing poems and short stories. She also enjoys doing research for long-term projects.
Joan has just published her first book, "In Loving Memory, A Daughter's Perspective on the Life and Legacy of Bishop Harold W. Speights." She writes: "This book is written in memory of my father, to express my appreciation for the life he lived, the values he stood for, the message he preached and demonstrated, the many people he supported and helped, and his extraordinary love and support for his family."
A quote from the foreword:
When my father died, his death certificate seemed fascinatingly cold...there are so many things a death certificate does not tell you. It does not tell you about a little boy who helped his father drive the cows home in the twilight of a summer evening, or how he and his father used to sell vegetables from a pushcart drawn by a horse, how his dad taught him to call out "Sweeet potatoes...dime a peck!!!" A death certificate does not tell you about a man's beautiful smile....a death certificate does not tell you about the rhythm and sequence of a preacher's sermon....a death certificate doesn't tell you any of that, but herein is a slice of his life--a few sermons and some other details, because he wants you to remember them, and to remember him. He did not want to be forgotten!"
Joan loves to read, loves to play piano, is an avid tennis fan, and loves her church family.
Joan's study in the field of social work greatly enhanced her later work as a news reporter, as she interviewed people of diverse backgrounds in all levels of society, from CEOs to welfare mothers. The combination of professional study and interaction with individuals from all levels of life add depth and flavor to her writing.
Joan is a motivational speaker and writer who seeks to let every individual become inspired to realize their potential, to refrain from allowing naysayers to discourage them from even attempting to achieve their goals. As a reporter and anchor, she was eager to encourage listeners to pursue this line of work and not allow naysayers to discourage them from considering that they could have a successful media career.
For the past few years, due to the extraordinary number of people out of work during the economic downturn, Joan has found many paid and unpaid opportunities to write about the experiences of people who have lost or anticipate losing their jobs. Joan often wrote of the spirit-wrenching trials and tribulations of those with financial responsibilities who suddenly found themselves without the means to provide for their families. One article focused on the pure anguish of applying for a job online.
Letter from a satisfied client who said Joan exceeded expectations:
"I've had so many applicants for this job posting from lawyers to biologists but you stood out in the crowd by repackaging my story as it occurred in my life and made me cry, again. Thank you for being a part of my team and having the gift of impactful writing. Together, I pray we can make a difference for all health care consumers."
In most arenas in which Joan writes there is a common thread that is akin to the ideas and attitudes found in "self-help" literature, because that is very much a part of who she is. Whatever the industry or category of thought, there are certain core values and truths to be applied that everyone, regardless of their field of pursuit or line of endeavor, can and needs to embrace.
The campaign and election of the first black President of the United States, needless to say, provided ample opportunities for written expression. Activities at the polls on election day inspired Joan to write a poem entitled, "I'm So Proud of Our People."
Joan found that using public transportation daily to go to work provided many opportunities to overhear bits and pieces of conversation that inspired subjects on which to write. Often on the way to work friends talk about their latest problems with their spouses, children, jobs and other various and sundry issues with which they are dealing.
Joan has completed 17 copywriting assignments for Writer's Access so far. See the sample below from a 7452-word article on Tax-Wise Business Ownership.