Without words, there are no ideas.
Welcome!
Below, you can find just a few writing samples, selected to demonstrate a wide range of content and style.
News, advertising, arts, editorial and lifestyle writing are all represented here.
Click on images or titles to read any of the articles below.
Wonderful West Virginia Magazine
( Writer, 2017 — Present )
How public lands brought American together… if only for a moment
West Virginia’s long history with white lightning: Moonshine
Glenn Jones: 5th-Stage Hunter
A search for rare orchids leads to discovery of a new species for three passionate Appalachians.
West Virginia Living
( Writer, 2017 — Present )
Students learn confidence and discipline through archery
Custom furniture makers find beauty in the raw
"From 1950s diners to Las Vegas cityscapes, few things are as quintessentially American as the soft, colorful glow of neon lights."
Photo Essay Profiles
"My work is suffering. My family is suffering. Why am I doing this?' Even as I’m saying those things out loud, in the back of my mind I’m like, ‘Oh, you’re definitely doing this again.’ I don’t think I can stop doing it.”
"I’ve always felt like I’m two completely different people."
"Ben Kolb is helping me tear the feet off a coyote corpse."
Local Government / Policy Editorials
A dramatic Facebook post, a failed court injunction, and and a contentious 4-hour council meeting.
Ten Monongalia Sheriffs raid a Morgantown home, killing the innocent grandson of a WVU Hall of Fame coach. None of the deputies are wearing the department's body cameras. One year later, things are about to change.
Last year, West Virginia adopted “constitutional carry” legislation. In late October, The Herald-Register and The Daily Athenaeum published an (identical) article asserting that this led to a "staggering" increase in firearm fatalities.
Morgantown Magazine, Writer / Photographer, 2017 — 2020
A pediatrician finds ways to serve three of the things he loves most: children, Morgantown, and West Virginia
"I wanted to be the first person to have a poke shop in the state of West Virginia."
Two hard-working volunteers create the final park along the Morgantown water trail.
Zackquill, Writer / Photographer, 2016—2017
“I feel like you can spend the first part of your life afraid to fail, then spend the second part of your life regretting you never tried."
“Black Bear owners Jason Coffman and Matt Showalter opened the successful restaurant for the wrong reason. At least, that’s what they tell me.”
The Noise, News Writer, 2014—2016
A wild horse conservation group is stunned when the Forest Services announces the slaughter of their resident herd. Community outcry may save the lives of this small band, but a looming crisis may mean the deaths of thousands more.
An exposé on the "dark money" being paid to candidates in the 2014 race for Arizona's Corporations Commission, and how it might affect the future of solar energy and campaign contributions in the state
Fibonacci Fine Arts Digest, Writer / Photographer, 2015
"One Film at a Time: Director Patrick Schweiss Transforms the Sedona Film Festival"
Profile of the director of the Sedona Film Festival and his success in turning the festival around — both artistically and financially