Peta Owens-Liston

Salt Lake City, UT USA
Contact

Professional Experience

I'm a story-telling junkie. As an experienced communications specialist, journalist, author & presenter, I produce writing that engages, informs, and moves the reader to action or into the story, whether it's a national publication or company editorial. I’m a meticulous researcher, personable interviewer, and deadline driven. I love the challenge of hooking the reader. www.petaliston.com For ten years, I worked for Time magazine as a correspondent, finding and covering stories ranging from polygamy to the Elizabeth Smart abduction. I currently write a lot of in-depth profiles, health sciences/medical-oriented pieces, and strong human-interest stories. I’ve also indulged in writing outdoor recreation/destination articles. I oversee and collaborate on PR projects, developing strategic messaging. I'm the co-author and the presenter of the book and traveling photo-story exhibit, "what I thought I saw" and the writer of "Exit by Text" Exhibit.

Expertise

Copywriter
20 Years
Writer
20 Years
Editor
20 Years

Specialty

Lifestyle
10 Years
Travel
8 Years
Other, Specify
15 Years

Industries


Magazine - Large Consumer/National magazines
10 Years
Magazine - Trade magazines/publications (B2B)
10 Years
Other
10 Years

Total Media Industry Experience

20 Years

Media Client List (# assignments last 2 yrs)

Via Magazine (6-10), Time Magazine (6-10), Park City Magazine (3-5)

Corporate Client List (# assignments last 2 yrs)

University of Utah Health Sciences Public Affairs (6-10), University of Utah (3-5), Weber State University (3-5)

Other Work History

Editor, Editorial Assistant Positions, Photographer.

Computer Skills

Word, Microsoft Publisher, Windows XP,

References

available on request

Associations

American Society for Journalist and Authors

Showcase

General

I still include this piece in my clips because it was one of my favorite stories to cover. After pitching this polygamy story to Time, they sent me down to this small town in Utah where these three women really opened up to me...in front of their shared husband.
I've written numerous profiles for this resort publication and several outdoor adventure pieces, like this one. The combination of nature, movement, and beauty really inspire me to write these types of articles.
I came up with the concept and wrote this brochure as an informational piece and then as a stepping stone to a larger piece targeting donors to raise money for a new building that included copy on patient stories, research, outreach, and more. That piece is too big to upload.
I do quite of few in-depth profiles of doctors, researchers and sometimes patients. This was an incredibly challenging one due to the topic's complexity; through Dr. Gerig, I was really able to understand him and the subject.
while I've written a number of blogs for the U of U Health Sciences Medical Center, this one struck me as especially historical.