Hi, I'm Emily!
About Me
I've been a journalist and content creator for 18 years, specializing in pop culture, entertainment, fashion, craft beer, and lifestyle/travel.
I am currently a Quality Team Editor at PEOPLE. Previously, I spent 6 years as a senior editor at ETonline, where I wrote and edited breaking news articles and longform features, interviewed celebrities, and overhauled the site's photo editorial system. Before that, I was staffed at the Style Network, myspace, and J-14 Magazine.
I am also a freelance writer open to work, and you can find my culture pieces in places like Parade, Cardinal & Pine, Hop Culture, VinePair, HoppedLA, and Bust.
A two-time young adult cancer survivor (Two different kinds under 40! What am I, a superhero?) I have written about the experience for HuffPost and XOJane and on my former blog, and before the pandemic, I produced a survivorship interview podcast, How to Be a Sick Kid.
Non-writing fun facts: I am a Jersey girl living in North Carolina with my partner, Dan, and our chaos agents (otherwise known as very cute, chatty cats). We previously lived in Delaware and California. I am an avid road tripper (I've been to 49 states!) and brewery visitor (600 & counting!) and overly nostalgic for all things '90s. I can quote all of Empire Records and Gilmore Girls. I'm not ashamed to admit that I am an elder emo because I need something to defend besides New Jersey.
Education & Teaching
I earned my B.A. in Creative Writing (Nonfiction) from Ithaca College and my MFA in Creative Writing (Fiction) from the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
At UNCW, I was the nonfiction editor of the award-winning literary magazine Ecotone and a graduate teaching assistant. After graduating, I became a part-time instructor, teaching Introduction to Creative Writing and Fiction Writing II.
Storytelling & Fiction
I am also a storyteller, performing in shows in Los Angeles, Milwaukee, and New York City, and produced two live shows while I lived in L.A.
I write fiction too and am working on my debut novel about YA survivorship. My published short stories can be found in the Museum of Americana, BigCityLit, HeartWood, and The Daily Drunk.