Welcome to Brazen Careerist!

About Me

Let's call this an excerpt from the "Adventures of Deena in the City". Life has moved pretty fast for me in the past 9 months, going from unemployed/underemployed job-seeker to freelance tech/creative writer getting regular work and regular income from it. On the side, I still write for several pay-per-click sites mostly for my own entertainment. Writing is my passion and I'm thrilled to be doing it on an almost full-time basis. Not getting rich yet, but I think I'm on my way.

In the rest of my spare time, I volunteer quite a bit. I've been at the Art Institute for 9 years now, currently as an Info Desk/Membership rep and Trainer of new public info volunteers. I also conduct private group tours of the Chicago Cultural Center as a Docent. Additionally, I conduct occasional walking tours of the Downtown area as a Chicago Greeter for the Chicago Office of Tourism.

Work History

• Upside Group - Franchise Consulting
• Reference Manual Wriiter (Freelance)
• July 2010 to Present

• Create customized reference manuals for large and small businesses who want to franchise the business to others. The reference manuals provide a detailed roadmap for getting started and running a franchise.

• ZenoSEO.com
• SEO/PR Writer (Freelance)
• November 2010 to Febuary 2011

• Write unique SEO articles and press releases designed to increase customer visits to clients websites. The company serves clients across the US and Europe.

• StreetAdvisor.com
• Freelance Writer/Local Expert
• June 2010 to November 2010

• Wrote reviews and forum posts of Chicago neighborhoods, things to see and do downtown, "hidden gems", and favorite places.

Education

• Illinois State University
• Spanish, Language and History
• 1974 - 1978