After too many years of just imagining it, in 2006, WriterWorks became the deeply rewarding reality of a dream finally pursued. Believing that opportunity only knocks so many times before its little knuckles are bare, Valerie Hoffman finally answered the door. Luckily, her imagination is persistent and has a long shelf life. With a toolbox of experience, talent and trepidation in tow, she stepped through and didn't look back. Of course, like most journeys, the trail of this one began long before 2006.

 About Valerie

 I got my start over two decades ago when I boldly (and naively) asked the editor of a daily newspaper paper in Chattanooga, Tennessee for a job as a writer. Looking out over his little bifocals he asked, "Your experience?"  Well, let me see, I had worked for my high school and college newspapers and I was attending college at night.  Did any of that count?

 In retrospect, I was asking for "the" big chance, something young people do not get enough of these days. I offered to sweep floors and answer phones. I was young and clueless, blinded by an inner belief that I had enough raw talent to learn the rest "on the job." I had a great deal to learn, but in time, the hard work and long hours paid off, as one editor later told me, "Hoffman, the ink is in your blood."

 As a journalist, I honed excellent listening skills, learned to write well, write fast, and, get it right. I learned the difficult, but valuable benefit of taking criticism from editors and keeping accolades in perspective. I tapped into my natural curiosity and watched it grow into a hunger for understanding people and communicating their message with their voice.

Jumping ahead to 1996 and several newsrooms later, I had reached burnout. The news is 24-hours, and I wanted a life.  With four file cabinets jammed full of articles and a box of journalism awards, I chose the common turnstile of many journalists; I went into Marketing & PR.

 For the next ten years, I supported or led the marketing, development and PR efforts of several large and medium- sized companies, tourism-based organizations and non-profits.  During that time, the seed for my business began to take root.  I often saw businesses that wanted professional marketing support, solid ideas and effective writing, but did not know where to start or they could not justify a full-time position.  Thus, I created WriterWorks to be a straightforward solution for affordable and effective marketing – only when it is needed and at prices that make sense.  

 I am eager to assist clients in reaching results they feel good about at the end of the day. If you are not successful, neither am I.  Give me a call or drop me an email, even if you just have an idea you want to toss around. 

 After all, I still love to hear a great story!

 Valerie A. Hoffman