Age: 32

Location: New York, New York

What are you working on now?
I'm working on stepping up my freelance capacity and currently I have a number of projects occupying my time. These include two website redesigns, an information architecture revamp, a blog facelift, writing a travel guide, producing email marketing campaigns, and managing a couple of online marketing campaigns, in addition to teaching a computer applications and literacy class at a local college.

What's the most helpful thing you've learned about writing?
The most important thing I have learned about writing is to stop and read what you're writing about aloud before submitting it. In this way, you can see and hear if it all makes sense. Doing that has made a big difference in the grades I've received. Also as an adjunct professor, I continue to stress that tip to my students.

What's been the worst career advice you've ever received?
A high school guidance counselor told me that I would not have a chance of making it into my dream "Ivy League" school. Luckily for me, I didn't listen. I applied anyway, was accepted and graduated. I often use bad advice as a motivator to do something phenomenal and prove the "naysayers" wrong.

If a writer is going to launch a site to promote his or her work, what are some key things he or she should pay attention to in order to make the site as effective and attractive as possible?
The key thing for a writer to remember is to let the work speak for itself. The website design should not overpower the "content". Some people may think that it is "in" to have the latest flash component or big images on a website in order to be noticed. The search engines are paying more and more attention to content and people searching online are more selective about seeking relevant content. A website is a marketing tool and the "product" to be marketed is the work. As long as the focus of the website is the content and not the design, the work will shine.