Writer of Middle Grade Nonfiction and PB Nonfiction
Interactive designer | producer | director
Nonfiction with Conviction
I love nonfiction. Unabashedly. Completely. Greedily. Give me never-before-told stories. Things I’ve never heard of. Excruciating detail on every niche subject. I crave an invite to a world I don’t know.
I geek out at science. Fire science, fluid dynamics, forensics, chemistry, astronomy, zoology…I’ll read it all. Then ask 1000 questions.
I devour mysteries. I started with Agatha Christie as a kid. Now it’s all the years of working with investigators and hearing their truth-is-stranger-than-fiction stories.
For 20 years I have built a career of embracing the detail. I’ve interviewed and worked with hundreds of experts to explore a wide range of technical, forensic, and sometimes difficult topics then written about them to bring those stories to others.
I’ve blown the hood off a pickup at post-blast school, documented survivors’ line-of-duty death and struck-by stories, and had tea with Anne Rice at 1239 First Street in New Orleans. I’ve shared the work that gave me those experiences in over 300 linear and interactive productions I have written, directed, and produced. I’m now on an author journey to share with the public what experts have shared with me for decades. I am currently focused on middle grade nonfiction and picture book nonfiction. For my literary works, I am represented by Anjanette Barr of Dunham Literary.
By day, I am an owner/partner at Unreal Creative, a boutique marketing and advertising agency, and a writer/producer/director/interactive designer for several online learning networks for emergency responders. Scroll down for more information on this work.
Visual Storyteller
About Me >>
I am an award-winning writer, researcher, interactive designer, director, and producer with over twenty years of experience creating interactive and linear productions in fire investigation, firefighter health and safety, and roadway incident response safety that reaches over 450,000 people.
I’ve completed an upper middle grade nonfiction manuscript, MATTIE: THE INSPIRING TRUE STORY OF THE WORLD’S FIRST ACCELERANT DETECTION CANINE. I have three other works of children’s nonfiction in progress.
Author photo: Digital Shore Productions
Styling: Megan Perry
I am an owner/partner at Unreal Creative, a boutique full-service marketing and advertising agency. Unreal’s work includes website design, corporate and product branding, animation and visual effects, creative services, content development, print design, marketing strategy, and video production. Unreal has a range of clients, including CPG companies, authors, entrepreneurs, specialty software developers, medical device companies, independent producers, and nonprofits. Please visit Unreal Creative’s website for more information about this work.
For one of Unreal’s clients, Stonehouse Media, I write, produce, and direct video and interactive content four online learning networks serving the fire service, fire investigation professionals, law enforcement, EMS, transportation, and towing and recovery. I also design web applications and oversee their implementation. This work includes CFITrainer.Net, ResponderSafety.com and RLSN.org, FHLN.Net, FireArson.com, and FMGlobalFireServiceResources.com. I work with a seasoned and goal-oriented team who has been together for years producing content for emergency responders.
The common thread through these projects is teamwork. Complex web applications and innovative interactive approaches I designed for a variety of platforms, became real only because of an incredible team of programmers, art directors, and production professionals. Quality, vetted, powerful content in technical and scientific topics was created in cooperation with subject matter experts, bolstered by deep research, and realized through scriptwriting and production by world-class professionals. I’m a collaborator, team player, facilitator, and cheerleader.
Any format, every usage
Write On //
• script • book • lesson plan • infographic • one sheet • packaging • study guide • instructor manual • evidence collection guide • product manual • white paper • presentation • article • social media post • brochure • technical procedure • research report • briefing memo • push card • print ad • newsletter • press release • email blast • programming specification • scope of work • treatment • website architecture • wireframe • bio • website copy • policy • procedure • op-ed • programming guide • IP •
Marketing
Commercials. Digital Ads. One-sheets. Brochures. Promos. Shelf talkers. Websites. Newsletters. Leave behinds. Trade show booths. Billboards, buses, and subway ads. Features, op-eds, and advertorials. Your good work is an amazing accomplishment. Marketing is how you engage your audience.
Production
PSAs. Training videos. Documentary subjects. Expert interviews. Roundtables. Broadcast commercials. Digital ads. Dramatizations. Scenario-based learning. Interactive media. Virtual events. Live meetings. Feature films. You name it, I’ve written, produced, or directed it.
Articles
Feature articles. Op-eds. Press releases. E-mail blasts. Blog entries. Social media posts. Guest columns. Read my publications work for various clients includes pieces in Fire & Arson Investigator, Fire News, The Pennsylvania Fireman, and ResponderSafety.com News.
Selected projects
My Work //
PSA
In Our Boots
For Stonehouse Media, I wrote and co-produced three ResponderSafety.com public service announcements featuring roadway incident responders struck while operating on the roadway. The PSAs were distributed nationally.
ONLINE LEARNING NETWORKS
CFITrainer.Net
I have written, produced, and directed over 70 modules and 100 podcast episodes for CFITrainer.Net, the world’s pre-eminent fire investigation training network, produced by Stonehouse Media.
WEBSITE INTERACTIVE DESIGN
Tanisia Moore
Author, speaker, attorney, and dope mama, Tanisia “Tee” Moore, wanted a multi-function website to serve every facet of who she is. Unreal Creative designed TanisiaMoore.com to help her engage with her audience, build her platform, and increase her readership. Her first book is out September 6.
INSTRUCTOR
Websites 101 for Authors, Illustrators, and Agents
Intimidated by how to create a website for your books? Need to establish your online presence to build your platform, sign with an agent, or engage with your audience? Not sure what you need? With over 20 years of experience building websites on many different platforms, I can show you how to get started or refresh your site. I’ve taught sessions for The Manuscript Academy and for #BlackCreatorsHQ. Use my contact form to inquire about a session for your critique group, industry networking group, professional association, or class. Individual critiques and coaching also available. I’m a positive, encouraging, knowledgeable voice who wants you to succeed! No question too big or too small. I love to talk to authors, illustrators, and agents about websites, so if you need a little webfairygodmothering, contact me.
Class Participant
AUTHOR SITES 101
“This was such an amazing panel.”
Class Participant
AUTHOR SITES 101
“You are a dynamic speaker. Appreciate you sharing your expertise!”
Class Participant
AUTHOR SITES 101
“A great introduction for newbies like me!”
Class Participant
AUTHOR SITES 101
“Jam packed with info. Lots to chew on.”
Class Participant
AUTHOR SITES 101
“This was SO helpful. Thank you!”
Class Participant
AUTHOR SITES 101
“This was an incredible session! I learned SO much!!!”
Social media
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Podcasts
Listen
I write two podcasts for Stonehouse Media. Listen below.
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Connection
Email Me at Unreal
Call Unreal Creative
(732) 888-0055