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Bio
Hello, I'm Mike. I am passionate about using language to create publicity, sales, and disseminate information to your target audience.
I'm active in the communities of creative writing and journalism. I have postgraduate qualifications in both of these fields, and I've published four books and a gazillion news stories.
Some of my recent work has been SEO copywriting, corporate communications journalism / public relations, and publishing newsletters for small businesses.
Expertise
Software
I'm best known for...
Content writing
Recent Employment
Freelance Writer / Copywriter / Journalist / Mar 2011 - Present / Self Employed
Since 2011, I have been a freelance writer for web sites, news media, businesses and Northland DHB. My skills lie in interviewing, journalism, electronic direct marketing, web content writing, social media and using words for search engine optimisation (SEO). I’m often called on to provide professional quality photos, too. I can build and edit web pages using content management systems although I’m most adept in handling written content.
I founded a writing service around 2016 and had just a few clients initially. I expanded and rebranded at the end of 2018 and now proudly take care of the communications needs of a core of reliable clients. I'm passionate about providing written communications services for clean brands doing good things in the world - education, startup business, social progress.
My favourite jobs are interviewing people, getting news stories published by mainstream media, and polishing communications for businesses small and large.
Communications Writer / 2009 - 2018 / Northern District Health Board
News stories, newsletters, media releases, social media, communication campaigns.
Reporter / 2013 - 2014 / NZ Herald, NZME | APNZ News Service
Industries I know well
Journalism
Media
Govt
Marketing
Mediums I know well
Print
Online
Social media
Internet
Intranet
Honours & awards
CREATIVE WRITING – AWARDS
Bath Flash Fiction Award – Longlisted 2015
Whangarei Libraries Flash Fiction Comp 2015 - 1st and 2nd place winner
Guest Fiction Writer (August 2014) – Tākahe magazine
Miles Hughes Award - Third place in 2014
Dan Davin Literary Award 2009 – Highly commended
NZSA Short Story Competition 2008/9 – Third, for ‘Latter Day Lepers’
Kiwi Short Story Competition, 2009 – Second, for ‘Home D’
Her magazine Short Story Competition, 2008 – Winner
F*nk short short story competition, 2005 judged by David Eggleton – 2nd
Qualifications
Massey University
Graduate Diploma in Journalism – achieved November 2014
University of Otago
Bachelor of Arts (English major) – achieved 2005 Invited to complete honours in 2006. NCALNE (National Certificate in Adult Literacy & Numeracy Education)
(Level 5) – achieved 2012
English Language Partners
Certificate in ESOL Tutoring – achieved 2010
AUT University
Master of Creative Writing – achieved 2009
NZQA Certificate
Adult Literacy Tuition (Level 5) – achieved 2007
Massey University
Foundation Certificate in Design – achieved 2006
St John First Aid Certificate
Level 1 – Achieved 2011
Languages
English, Some Spanish and Te Reo Maori