writer/editor
Ella has an MFA in creative nonfiction writing from Sarah Lawrence College and an MSc in fiction and poetry from The University of Edinburgh in Scotland, UK. She is a freelance writer and editor and works as a part of the only in-house creative team at American Express.
Her work is forthcoming in Glimmer Train Stories and has also been published online at Mr. Beller's Neighborhood, Underwater New York, Gorgeous New York, and the first iteration of Tango magazine online. Her blogs on all things jewelry appear at Lori McLean, the blog.
She was a selected reader at the Writing By Degrees conference at SUNY Binghamton in 2008 and was selected as an Emerging Writer by The Center for Book Arts for the Letterpress Printing & Fine Press Publishing Seminar in 2009. She has also read at Freerange Nonfiction, a popular nonfiction reading series, now in New York's Lower East Side.
She is currently at work on a collection of personal essays and a memoir about her Chinese-Nicaraguan family. A selection of her fiction, nonfiction, blogging, journalism, and copywriting appears below.
references
"Ella is one of the most talented and fully-developed writers I have come accross. She knows already what are her preferred tones and atmospheres and methods of moving through material, she has a very sophisticated ear and a very gentle and very carefully-worked touch."
"Ella has many gifts as a poet, and a real sensuous and lyric feeling for language. She is altogether a gratifying presence."
"Ella is a conscientious and meticulous reader whose assistance is an invaluable resource for writers everywhere! She cuts to the heart of what you are trying to say--weeding out the bad and nourishing the good. Her criticism is constructive, organized, and sincere. She is prompt in responding to emails and inquiries, and keeps you updated on her progress with your manuscript. I think the world of Ella, and would recommend her services to anyone!"
portfolio
American Express
Side Door
This was a concept for a local market sales site powered by American Express. I worked on campaigns that addressed daily offer email fatigue and instant redemption across multiple platforms — iOS app, billboard, print, and email. I also wrote all site copy, cardmember marketing, sales collateral, and servicing communications as a part of this endeavor.Sidedoor examples
Vente Privee
American Express is partnering with Vente Privee to launch a joint venture private sales site. The goal in messaging was to reference what both companies are known for and to allude to the power of bringing together their strengths. For this endeavor I am working on content strategy and differentiation, product development, and branding.Vente Privee examples
Serve
Serve is a digital wallet that provides you with instant money management. I worked with Serve as an in-house consultant to re-write copy with a more targeted voice.Serve Examples
GorgeousNewYork.com
Gorgeous New York is an online magazine dedicated to showcasing the interesting New Yorkers that make up a great city — a chiptune musician, an urban vinyl artist, twin somali fashion designers, and more. I wrote profiles, site copy, marketing material, and aided shoot production.
additional examples
mCORE.com
mCORE is a website dedicated to screening athletes for a prediposition to Sudden Cardiac Arrest. I was the contributing copywriter and content strategist.
additional examples
Lori Mclean
Lori Mclean owns a shop in the West Village, NYC that has the most unique, handmade jewels around. I wrote site copy including product descriptions, wrote marketing emails, founded and wrote for her blog and facebook page, and handled technololgy and special order sales. To see the site, visit www.lorimclean.com. A few of my favorite blog posts are below.
additional examples
Fiction: Under Water New York
Nonfiction: Mr. Beller's Neighborhood
Nonfiction: Tango
Editorial: Tango
Editorial: Tango
Editorial: Tango
Editorial: Tango
Copywriting: Tsuru
