Portfolio
Feature Article
Personal profiles and features are probably my favorite thing to write. Simply because I love the power of “story” to educate, entertain, and motivate people to take action or make changes in their own lives.
I have penned features for publications of all sizes, including Ladies’ Home Journal, Family Circle, American Profile, and The Washington Post. Some of the most interesting writing assignments I have had were for an HR magazine called HR Innovator. I enjoyed featuring IKEA’s HR practices, for example.
The story highlighted here is a recent personal profile I did on Yvonne Evans, a local McKinney, Texas, resident that I find simply fascinating. The goal: highlight Yvonne’s aesthetics practice and the annual chicken house tour she launched several years ago.
Sheri is a very thorough journalist; an excellent and enjoyable writer. I appreciate that she was able to share my life passions in a way that was amusing to read. I only came across as moderately eccentric and not downright peculiar! Ha! Thanks, Sheri!
Website Content
I routinely help clients to write or refresh their website content. In this project I helped Fred Mahusay, owner of FredShots Photography in Dallas, Texas, with his content. The goal: better incorporate “story” to quickly establish Fred’s expertise, servant’s heart, and established reputation. Other recent clients: G.W. Garber & Company, Bracamonte Law PLLC, and Summit Learning & Technology.
Working with Sheri on the content for my website was straightforward and painless. Sheri provided me with a very thorough review and a precisely detailed course of action, complete with the reasons for each step. Sheri always has fresh ideas, a moment to spare, and a smile to share. Working with Sheri is a true pleasure and the value of her service is priceless.
Press Release
I am happy to write press releases for clients. I hate boring press releases, as they typically get tossed as soon as they ding an inbox. So, again, I use “story” to try to grab and hold the reader’s attention. Here is a sample of a recent press release I wrote for a McKinney, Texas, realtor being highlighted on the website of the McKinney Chamber of Commerce. I have written other press releases for the Chamber, as well as for Josh McDowell Ministry.
Sheri has a definite passion and talent for writing. I was fortunate to have her skills in putting pen to paper when she wrote a press release for me. She spent many hours asking questions, interviewi
Book Editing & Doctoring
Helping someone to write their book draft (even if they never find the courage to publish it!) is an honor that I never take for granted. I know *exactly* how much hard work is ahead of them, given that I have written so many books myself. When Delaware motivational speaker S. Renee Smith asked me to look at her draft, she thought her book was pretty close to being finished. I helped Renee to both tighten and expand her content; to go deep, to produce an impactful book with staying power. Renee’s book has been used in college curriculums, to help students to “see your purpose, create opportunities, and find your place in God’s big picture for your life.” Wow!
Sheri puts her heart and soul into editing. In writing my first book, Sheri challenged me to dig deeper for personal information to really help my readers. Her quick wit, sense of humor, and support helped me to keep a smile on my face as I went through this arduous process.
Blog Posts
When Josh McDowell Ministry added a new blog, I repurposed book text already published by Josh McDowell. I shortened multi-page essays in the book The Beauty of Intolerance, rewriting them as blog posts. In some cases I incorporated current events. The two-prong goal: promote the book and engage the Ministry’s online community.
Sheri Bell is a spirited and innovative professional who delivers timely, top-notch writing skills. Her attention to detail was important for us; she took verbose content that she eloquently, yet precisely pared down to digestible blog posts. I highly recommend her to anyone that is looking for a perfect blend of quality and inspiration!
Staff Bios
Staff bios are always fun to write! I enjoy synthesizing information, and helping the person I am profiling to see themselves as interesting. It’s so funny to me that most people walk around thinking they are not news worthy! I have shared samples from a large profile project. I was was asked to write 30+ nurse bios for California’s UCLA School of Nursing. I was so inspired by these nurses, all of whom are involved in research focused on improving the lives of people!
“Thanks, Sheri! This was a project I wanted to do for awhile. Having you look at the CVs and stories and write the bios was greatly appreciated!”
Brochures
Ack! I see so many boring, poorly written — and poorly edited!!! — brochures. I enjoy helping my clients to focus their messaging, and to write in a way that engages the reader. I always ensure my clients leave readers with a call-to-action. What’s the point of marketing if you’re not telling your potential customers what you want them to do? Tim Roberts, owner of Progressive Resistance Exercise, a private, one-on-one gym in Plano, Texas, needed a simple, straight-forward marketing brochure to highlight his exercise philosophy, strength training services, and client testimonials. His call-to-action? “Train with me, free, for two weeks. I guarantee you’ll see a difference!”
Your work is pure genius! My brochures turned out amazing, and you got to them ASAP! I am going to tell all of my clients about you! Thanks!
Postcard Messaging
Words matter, particularly when you don’t have the space to use a lot of them. And the words you pair with images are especially important. In the draft version of this post card, I thought this residential property manager was selling security systems. I helped him to communicate, in just a few words, why rental owners need to stay up to code. The call-to-action: Or, for peace of mind, they can hire him. #score Graphic design by Chris Blair.
I have had Sheri review a couple of projects, and I was amazed at the difference when she just rearranged the wording. Her ability to add impact to a message is magical. I highly recommend Sheri to anyone creating anything with words; whether a post card, web site, or your personal book.
Video Script
Some day I’m going to work on a documentary (#wishlist), but for now I occasionally write video scripts. This sample highlights several scripts I penned for Rampart Construction. The goal: communicate Rampart’s mission, company beliefs, and trusted reputation to secure more bids.
