About me
Jackie Wilson - the writer - not the singer
Yep - you've reached Jackie Wilson, the writer from Iowa. If you're looking for another Jackie Wilson, please consider staying for a brief moment.
I've loved writing since I was little, where I wrote a chapter book about a mouse in the kitchen, wrecking havoc on the family. Later, I won a mock 'Pulitzer Prize' for a high school newspaper story about teenage drinking. Attending journalism school might make sense, but for a wanderlust soul, less schooling and escaping from a small town seemed more appealing. Instead, I found a career as a certified medical assistant at Mercy Clinics.
While working and raising two kids, I returned to Grand View College for a journalism degree and finally - a legit writing career. After 17 years of working corporate communications, writing about health topics and insurance was intriguing. OK - who am I kidding? Insurance - fun? Hardly. But it paid the bills, padded my 401 (k) and honed my copywriting, editing, proofreading and storytelling skills. After a corporate turnover, it was time to branch out on my own...and here I am.
Since establishing Jackie Wilson Writing, I've written and published hundreds of articles for Iowa Living Magazine and CITYVIEW Magazine. By covering Des Moines area folks' lives, I've found there are some ordinary people (and some really cool musicians!) living extraordinary lives, as featured in my articles.
If you've got a story to tell, a product to sell or desire a professionally written communications piece, explore my writing services, as outlined below.
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Writing services
Iowa Living Magazine articles
I write a variety of cover stories and take photos for Iowa Living Magazines. Each topic is different and I'm looking for people who live in Waukee, Polk City (North Polk) and West Des Moines. Find out more and click on the link below.
CITYVIEW articles
I write monthly columns including:
- The Sound - If a national musical act is touring in the Des Moines area, I hunt down their PR person and beg for an interview, with some success. I've interviewed George Thorogood, Melissa Etheridge, Rich Williams from the group Kansas, Johnny Mathis...the list goes on!
- Sound Circuit - A column featuring local musicians including Scot Sutherland, Stark Raving Madge, Gimmik, Dick Danger Band and more.
- Pets - From snakes to alpacas, I've interviewed owners about their best buds.
- Belly Up - I find a local hangout, often gravitating to the dive bars. I don't give bars a star rating - I just write my experience and let the readers decide. The Triangle Tap, Winchester Pub, Captain Roys and The Ridgemont have a cool vibe.
- Artist - There's tons of local artists in the Des Moines area, including Jeff Rider and muralist John Neal.
Professional copywriting & editing services
I write SEO marketing copy for small businesses and non-profits. I offer editing and writing services for businesses desiring professionally-written communication and marketing materials.
National publications
I've got many unique stories on the backburner, having pitched to various magazines and online blogs. You'll find my published articles in Publisher Magazine, Women's Running Magazine, Professional Medical Assistant Journal, Iowa State Daily, Medical Economics and more.
Insurance & benefits, health & wellness communication
Working as an senior writer for 15 years at MMC/Mercer/Marsh, I've gathered a great deal of experience writing about employee benefits and insurance topics. In addition, I've researched and written 60 Healthy Habits newsletters on a variety of health and wellness topics.
Writing assessment test passages
I write test passages for the University of Iowa Testing Programs for middle-schoolers. I take complex topics and write assessments, so students can test their comprehension skills.