In the 18th of my new Ask-A-Pro series, I’d like to introduce you to Colleen Williams, educational writer.

In the Ask-A-Pro format, I’ll tell you a little about the author and how-to-find-your-dream-job expert . . . then via the Comments section to this post, please feel free to ask a specific question about the career or job in question.

Anyone (expert or not) is free to post responses to your query, and I or the author/how-to-find-your-dream-job pro may chime in as well. This is your chance to get unbiased advice from a real, honest-to-goodness-been-there-done-that dream job professional.

Okay, over to you Colleen.

Colleen Madonna Flood Williams is a State-Certified elementary teacher in Alaska. She writes and edits on a number of topics including fiction, inspirational nonfiction, children’s picture books, parenting, academic success, art education, and methods of dealing with at-risk children. She is noted for turning out quick, clean, concise copy.

Colleen graduated recently with a Bachelor of Education, art minor. She was inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society in 1998. (Her GPA was 3.89.) She also holds liberal arts and sciences, general studies, and associate’s degrees.

Colleen recently battled breast cancer. Having conquered stage 3 breast cancer with nine positive lymph nodes, it’s no wonder Colleen has also been accepting assignments to write and edit inspirational materials for cancer patients.

Colleen recently completed a contract for Harcourt Learning Direct. She edited and revised one of their online educational courses and supplemental text series. She also recently published an Art Teaching Unit with Wintertickle Press of Ontario, Canada. Her Art Unit has been pulled from the website, as it is under consideration for publication from a major educational publisher. She has also written a standardized science exam for Englefield and Arnold Publishing.

Colleen’s first six children’s reference books: The Geography of Mexico, The Festivals of Mexico, The People of Mexico, Native American Family Life, Native American Clothing, and Native American Shelters are being published by OTTN, a New Jersey Educational Publishing Company (January 2002). She is also currently writing for Alaska Business Monthly Magazine and has frequently written for Northwest Baby and Child. In September of 2001, she completed a Science Exam based on the Texas Science Standards for Engelfield and Arnold Publishing.  She also has a story in Chicken Soup for the Grandparent’s Soul.

Colleen has hosted poetry workshops and is the author of over 30 books for Orchard Academy Press’s My Adventure series.
 
Dream Jobs To Go Title
Educational Freelance Writer

Current Profession
Educational Freelance Writer

Websites or Blogs You’d Like Us To Know About
Windstorm Creative

What Would You Be Doing If You Weren’t An Educational Freelance Writer?
I’d be a teacher or a stand-up comedian.

Life Philosophy
What does not kill me makes me stronger.

Favorite Food
King crab or lobster

Favorite Read
The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings trilogy, Little Prince, and The Velveteen Rabbit.

Favorite Authors
Tolkien, St. Antoine D’Exupery

Favorite Travel Destination
Hawaii

Favorite Music
Hip Hop, Rap, Country, Jazz, Rock, Classical . . . I love it all!

Favorite Sports Team
Buffalo Sabres

Favorite Movies
Fried Green Tomatoes, Pulp Fiction, and Hellraiser.

Favorite City
Buffalo, NY

Favorite Country
United States

Favorite Animal
Dragonfly

Your Hobbies
Writing, working out, and surfing the net.

Favorite Quotation
What does not kill me makes me stronger.

Favorite Drink
Nestlé’s bottled strawberry flavored water

Why Do You Live Where You Do?
I live in Kachemak City, Alaska and love it here.

If You Could Live Anywhere You Wanted, Where Would It Be?  Why?
Kachemak City, Alaska or Buffalo, NY . . . in this order . . . the view is amazing, my family is in Buffalo.

The Greatest Things About Being An Educational Freelance Writer
I get to work from home in my pajamas.

The Worst Thing About Being An Educational Freelance Writer
The pay is not steady.

If A Young Person Approached You About Getting Into Educational Freelance Writing, What Would You Say?
Follow your dreams . . . but find a spouse with a steady job!

If An Older, Career-Changer Approach You About Getting Into Educational Freelance Writing, What Would You Say?
Write about what you know most about.

The Most Important Piece Of Advice Anyone Ever Gave You About Life?
My father told me that the stronger you are mentally, the stronger you are in all other areas of your life.  I agree.

Any Other Advice You’d Like To Share With People Who’re Thinking About Getting Into Educational Freelance Writing?
Read my book.

How Would You Define Success?
ISBN Numbers or publications.  Lots and lots of ISBN Numbers or publications!  I have many, as I have written over 20 books for children now.

Any Other Comments About the World Of Work You’d Like To Share?
Do what makes you happy and you will do it well.

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