Marna’s writing career started as a Pentagon intern. Early exposure to $500 toilet seat press releases made her appreciate creative nonfiction. Now she has more than 25 years of senior-level marketing and communications success working with Fortune 100 companies, government, nonprofits, small businesses, startups, and agencies.
Professionally, thanks to many lay offs in the 1990s, I’ve done a lot. I expanded my skill-set as they say in the corporate world. I have more than 25 years of innovative, revenue delivering, senior-level marketing and communications success working with Fortune 100s, government, nonprofits, small businesses, startups, and agencies. Industry exposure includes the following: insurance, consumer electronics, banking/financial services, technology, defense, economic development, healthcare/retirement services, travel/tourism, and entertainment.
Sounds impressive, doesn’t it? Well, that kind of experience is the kind that burns you out and makes you dream of killing your boss, or finding a new source of professional happiness. I left my Wall Street Fortune 25 job and moved to Los Angeles in July 2003. My envious co-workers and friends felt it was risky and crazy. After arriving, I realized that my hidden writing talent and my general creativity have been stifled by my corporate endeavors. I purged. It was a self-inflicted creative renaissance that lasted 10 years. But, after the third California layoff, I decided it was time to move back east. Virginia was calling me home.
I’m also making a lot of social changes. I began my professional dating career in the mid-1990s when I divorced my self-medicating, bipolar husband who had an unhealthy obsession with Duran Duran. He gave me a high tolerance for weird which is reflected in my current day dating stories. I continue to look and wonder if there are viable relationship candidates out there. They say my ship will come in. Right now, I’m enjoying swimming in that sea.
I’d like to thank everyone through my career who has encouraged me or taught me to write. From the servicemen in the Pentagon who trained me with AP Style guidelines when I was 17 to my family who thinks I should be doing stand-up.
I’ll remember you all when it is time to write acknowledgements or roll credits.
“Mom and I read your L.A. blog, laughing hysterically (there may have been some wine involved). L.A. seems to agree with you, or at least it’s unleashed the writing beast within.”
Kim, Washington, D.C.
“Mom and I read your L.A. blog, laughing hysterically (there may have been some wine involved). L.A. seems to agree with you, or at least it’s unleashed the writing be“You probably get this from married guys all the time, but as I read through your writings it really hit home for me…you are pretty special! Besides the fact that I have known you for an unbelievable 15+ years you are without question one of the most articulate interesting friends that I have! Do you realize that your emails are a much anticipated event around our home! (Who says married life is dull!) Take comfort knowing that there are a couple of folks here in Richmond that think your great and are cheering you on!”ast within.”
Matt, Richmond
“Marna is distinguished from all other women in many ways. Rather than the usual collection of random, unfathomable to men knick-knacks, her bathroom is decorated with enough genuinely interesting items that it took me two trips to completely check everything out. Her view of reality is firmly grounded, yet it regularly blurs into the surreal without warning, just often enough to keep things interesting. She owns speakers that kick ass. And unlike the hordes of homogenously decorated poseurs who expect others to fawn over their uninspired body designs, Marna’s hidden tattoo really is as cool as she thinks it is.”
Greg, Baltimore
“Marna is the butt-kicking sister I wish I had. We coulda been a team, man! She comprehends the deviant genius in Pat Boone covering heavy metal classics; she seems to instinctively know what makes men tick and what they look for in porn. She’s the most elegant and ruthless of double agents; she likes sleeping with the enemy!! Brains, savvy, and sex appeal – look out LA!”
Barry, New York