How did I get here?
I started my career in communications as a book editor in a tiny print publisher in New Zealand. I had romantic ideas about niche topics and small but elegant print runs. But then the Internet happened.
After working for a leading New Zealand travel guide, I moved to the UK. My first job was with a very small company selling digital content and production services to the pharmaceutical industry. I wrote health news stories and marketing copy for a consumer audience and built simple websites of clinical image libraries. We were a small team of just 8 people.
Over the next 15 years, I wrote healthcare content, worked on website and application projects, produced simple audio and video programs, and learned a lot about digital content and production in the healthcare sector.
Eventually the company mutated into a 500-strong multinational healthcare publishing and communications business, and I decided it was time to get back to simpler work and focus on writing, which was what got me into all this in the first place.
What do I write about?
I’m happy adapting to the needs of any writing project, and I enjoy the variety my situation brings. In the healthcare sector I have a particular interest in consumer health, especially mental health and well-being, diet and nutrition, and the use of technology for improving health, including cutting edge technologies for patient care. I’m also a proponent of good patient information… anything that helps make a difference to people’s health and improves their lives.
For a change I sometimes write about lifestyle topics, such as well-being, travel and entertainment.
My approach and experience
I understand that writing about health means doing solid research, questioning assumptions and avoiding trendy angles on hot topics. Readers want reliable and useful information, quickly and easily.
But it still has to be a good read to affect change in people’s lives, which is why I favor a clear and accessible writing style.
With my experience in design and production, I can also offer my clients additional expertise if they need it.
Industry knowledge & experience
- Understanding of regulatory issues
- Evidence-based approach
- 20+ years’ experience
Writing and editorial expertise
- Thorough research and evidence-based approach
- Clear and accessible writing style
- Attention to detail
Digital and print publishing expertise
- Technical expertise (production software, front-end coding, CMSs/Wordpress)
- Digital and print production know-how
- Deep knowledge of online best practices, what works, what doesn’t
Collaboration and professionalism
- Friendly professional service
- Punctual
- Competitively priced
- Communicative and reliable