Writing
Speaking
Resume
+ Over 30 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
1994 - Present. Freelance Reporter/Feature Writer/Columnist/Photographer:
The Topeka Capital-Journal, The Wichita Eagle, KANSAS! Magazine and American Profile. Author of Stories from a Life in Progress.
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.
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:
2001 - First Place, Feature writing
2000 - First Place, Essays
Third Place, Radio Commentary
Honorable Mention, Speeches
1999 - Honorable Mention, Radio Commentary
Personal Columns