Jill Townsend

I began my writing and editing career in an unlikely arena for a city girl: the livestock business. During my junior year in college I was offered an editorial internship with a cattle magazine called, now called the "Limousin World".

I knew nothing about livestock or farming when I started, but I learned fast, and it taught me that subject matter isn't really what defines a good writer. What matters is how well you convey your message, and whether or not you ultimately achieve your goal... generally to inform, educate, persuade, sell -- or all of the above.

A few years later, my career took another unexpected turn. I met an Englishman, and moved to the UK.

Never underestimate the ability life has to throw you interesting curves. There I was, in my late 20's, living in a new country, speaking a strange language, driving a car on the wrong side of the road, paying $6 for a gallon of gas (this was 1987!), and frequently hopping on a train to London just to wander around for the day. It was a great experience.

About a year after I moved to the UK, I was given a really great opportunity to manage a European start-up that specialized in direct mail. I loved it, especially the chance to learn from my 'guru' boss about how to write compelling copy.

I eventually moved on and started working for myself as a copywriter. Luckily for me, the internet is copy hungry, and even better, allows me to work with people anywhere because most of what I do is 'virtual'.

These days, I write a lot of bios, as you might guess. You can learn more about that by visiting my website, www.writeagreatbio.com.

All the best, Jill