Lou Ann Thomas

Background

+ Over 40 years experience as a freelance writer/photographer/promotional writer
+ Radio commentator for National Public Radio affiliate
+ Humor columnist for over seven years
+ Author of Stories from a Life in Progress
+ Publications editor for newsletters and trade publications
+ Public speaker for groups, businesses, organizations and workshops
+ Over 10 years experience as an English, journalism, writing and editing teacher
+ Member of professional improvisational comedy troupe
+ National and state awards for humor and feature writing, commentaries and speaking

Employment History

1994 - Present.  Freelance Reporter/Feature Writer/Columnist/Photographer:
The Topeka Capital-Journal, Manhattan Magazine, KANSAS! Magazine and many other regional and national publications.  Author of Stories from a Life in Progress.  Also promotional and advertising copywriter for Imagemakers and individual clients.
               
1989 ­ 1994.  Sole owner of L.A. Thomas and Associates.
Providing desktop publishing, laser typesetting, design, writing and marketing consulting to businesses and individuals.
   
1986 - 1988.  Creative Director, New Horizons Technologies, Inc., Kansas City, MO.
Created design and copy for all brochures and promotional materials for software development company as well as wrote and designed documentation and users guides.

1982 - 1986.  Teacher of high school English and journalism, Senior High School, Harrisonville, MO.
                  
1977 - 1981.  Teacher of high school English and journalism, Ottawa High School, Ottawa, KS.
               
1976.  Editor of Sonoma County REALTOR and Director of Public Relations for Sonoma County Board of Realtors, Santa Rosa, CA.
               
1975.  TV Continuity Writer, promotional writer for Phil Donahue Show,WGN-TV,  Chicago, IL.

1974 - 1975.  Advertising Manager, Mobile Radio Communications, Kansas City, MO.

Awards

Award of Excellence, Feature Writing, Kansas Press Association

Kansas Press Women,

2000 - Sweepstakes Award
   
Kansas Press Women,

2001 - Sweepstakes Runner-up

National Awards 

National Federation of Press Women:
2003 – Best Non-fiction Humor Book, Stories from a Life in Progress

2001  - First Place, Feature writing

2000  - First Place,  Essays
 Third Place, Radio   Commentary
 Honorable Mention, Speeches

1999  - Honorable Mention,  Radio Commentary and
Personal Columns