Amanda Barker

Background

About Amanda Barker

Writer | Editor | Content Developer | Educator | Storyteller As a writer, editor, and content developer, my work has spanned multiple industries and genres over 25 years. I’ve worked in both the high-tech industry and academic publishing, and my projects have ranged from writing marketing copy and newsletters to editing academic journals to developing content for textbook companion websites. My recent work has been more personal in nature, developing recipes and writing personal essays and stories through the lens of food on my blog, Wholesome Family Kitchen. My recipes and essays (and some of my food photography) have been featured in Parents magazine, t.e.l.l. New England journal, and various food-focused websites and social media channels. As much as I love writing and telling stories, I love teaching writing and helping others tell their own stories even more. In my early career, I honed my teaching skills as a Lecturer in the English Department at Northeastern University, teaching First-Year Composition, Business Writing, and Technical Writing, and also as a Writing and Research Tutor. Years (and two kids) later, I returned to the classroom again, but instead of teaching undergrads how to format a bibliography page or analyze a poem, this time I was teaching middle-school students about my other favorite subject: how to make nutritious, delicious food! Most recently, I found myself sharpening my writing-professor skills once again, guiding my son through the many, many essays he wrote for his college and scholarship applications, which has renewed my passion for teaching and coaching young writers. I’ve since helped dozens of college-bound students with their application essays as well, a pursuit that I’ve found immensely fulfilling and—dare I say—fun! I truly enjoy working with teens and young adults, helping them discover the power of writing their own stories and guiding them through the writing process, whether it’s brainstorming ideas, choosing a topic, finding and expressing their unique voice, organizing their thoughts into words, polishing a final draft—or all of the above! Relevant Skills • Eagle-eyed, meticulous editor with keen attention to detail • Skilled wordsmith, grammar nerd, and Oxford comma advocate with strong command of English language • Insightful, curious, empathetic questioner and compassionate, attentive listener • Accomplished list-maker with exemplary organizational and project-management skills • Avid reader, cookbook collector, bookstore and library patron, and lifelong bibliophile