Susan Blystone

Background

About Susan Blystone

I excel at writing as proven throughout my career in higher education and journalism. One of my strengths is weaving multiple voices into a story and connecting them into an engaging narrative. As a professional higher education writer/editor, I honed interviewing, writing, and editing skills throughout my 27-year career at Illinois State University. Accuracy is my trademark, as is writing succinctly. I take complex topics and make them easily understood. I have a master's degree in professional writing/English studies. My career has been as a writer, beginning as a crime/police reporter for The Pantagraph in Bloomington-Normal. I was later assigned the higher education beat, which I developed. I transitioned to higher education, working as the first PR/marketing person for Heartland Community College before joining ISU. I was the associate director of ISU’s University Marketing and Communications and editor of the alumni magazine:(https://news.illinoisstate.edu/publications/illinois-state). I was the primary writer/editor for the entire university for 25 years. I have written hundreds of projects and coached staff who were empowered to advance in their career. I interview myriad individuals annually and delight in learning their stories that I then share through features. I have profiled people from all walks of life, all ages, races/gender, professions, and level of accomplishment—from the newest 18-year-old on campus to accomplished professionals working under the U.S. president. Numerous accolades I have accumulated attest to my skill and performance level (from an outstanding Woman in Communication honor to the top staff award from the university and national recognition from CASE). During my time at ISU, I have written two books. One is for children (https://news.illinoisstate.edu/2014/09/q-creators-reggies-first-childrens-book) and the other a history of the university's Mennonite College of Nursing (https://nursing.illinoisstate.edu/history-book). Since retiring in June 2022, I have worked with a publishing house as an author coach, editor, and ghostwriter. I complete memoirs for clients who I interview extensively for the content. I also continue to enjoy writing higher education features as a freelancer. I am a wife, a mom, and a walking miracle who gained a second chance at life following a heart transplant in 2016. Always looking for new ways to use my skills and help others tell their story!