My Background

My parents gave my sisters each a new sewing machine for their high school graduations.

I got a typewriter.
(They knew me well.)

She was - and is - an inspiration.

I remember sitting at the piano, and scaling my fingers up and down the keys, while singing something nonsensical.

Mom listened from across the room and smiled.

"Do it again," she encouraged.

And I did - over and over and over again. She has continued to play a role in my work, either as reflected in a character or as a topic in several blog posts.

He was my biggest fan.

My dad would come home after a long day as a highway patrolman and ask me to play a song. It seemed to help him relax.

When I was 18, he arranged for me to record my songs in a real recording studio. Years later, he became the subject of my master's dissertation in poetry.

Dad taught me that the words we use matters.

Something clicked at the colony.

Lew Hunter taught me how to write a screenplay and use my love of dialogue to my advantage.

What began as a comedy has turned into a heart-wrenching family drama and an award-winning script.

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Thoughtful words can impact.

Poetic word choices, rhythmic phrasing, alliteration, and rhyme are necessary for a good story, yet it is the message that is most important.

When well-chosen, words can be legacies we leave behind for others to enjoy.

My Resume

Personal philosophy: Relate to others. Be kind and honest. Ask questions. Offer solutions.

WRITING & PUBLICATIONS EXPERIENCE

Copy and grant writer. Columbus Elks Lodge #1195. Newsletters, grant writing, and marketing. 2023-present
Screenwriter. The Candlestick Maker holds a 1% “Recommend” coverage and numerous competition placements. Also completed: two shorts; two television pilots; one play, and more in development.
Columnist. “Three Sides to Every Story”
- The Capitol Journal, Pierre, SD, 2022-2024
- The Columbus Telegram, Columbus, NE, 2021-2023
Published and/or Award-winning Author.
- Zest for Pets, Poets Choice poetry anthology, August 2023
- “The Exchange,” Writer’s Digest 16th place Short, Short Story Competition Winner, 2022
- Poetry to Bridge Generations contest winner, University of Nebraska – Omaha, 2017
- "Celebrate: A collection of writings by and about women," University of Nebraska – Omaha, 2015
- "The Untidy Season: An Anthology of Nebraska Women Poets," The Backwaters Press, 2013
- "Milemarkers," Master of Arts’ graduate portfolio, 2008
Copywriter and Spokesperson.
- Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, 2019-2021
- Nebraska Public Power District, 1995-2019
- Boesch & Associates Advertising Agency, 1994-1995
Publisher and copywriter for Writing Works, a quarterly magazine for teachers and students of writing, 1993-1995

LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT

Script Review Manager, Riveting River Entertainment, Inc., Menlo Park, CA, 2022-2024
- Pitch screenplays represented by the company to producers, television studios, directors, and industry representatives
- Review and edit screenplays for writers; serve as a consultant
Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce President, 2019-2021
- Oversaw a five-member staff and the day-to-day operations of the Chamber and implementation of its program of work
Corporate Communications and Public Relations Manager, Nebraska Public Power District. 2008-2019
- Managed a 16-member staff who enhanced NPPD’s image, reputation, and brand in day-to-day and crisis communications
Public Relations & Advertising Specialist; Media Specialist; Corporate Communications Team Leader, Communication Specialist; and Project Communicator, Nebraska Public Power District, 1995-2008

DEGREES & CERTIFICATIONS

Master of Arts, University of Nebraska-Kearney, 2008
Bachelor of Fine Arts and Secondary Education Certification, University of South Dakota, 1987 & 1986
Franklin Covey, Pacific Institute, and Senn Delaney certifications

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Adjunct English Instructor, Central Community College, 2021; 2009-2010
Secondary English, journalism, speech, communications, 1987-1995

INVOLVEMENT & MEMBERSHIPS

Central Community College Foundation Board of Directors
Columbus In Action Board Member
Columbus Elks Board Secretary, grant writer
Women United Steering Committee member
St. Bonaventure Church Lector/Cantor

"You become a good writer by writing lots and lots of stories, not

by writing the same story over and over."

Scott William Carter

Contact Jeanne