journalism
When an editor hires me to represent their publication I am tasked with taking on their voice and purpose while keeping ROI top of mind. Through every step I’m cognizant of the brand I am representing, the history I’m reflecting, and the reputation I’m upholding.
"We have had the pleasure of working with Carrie on numerous and ongoing projects with Everything Knoxville. Carrie is highly creative in developing interesting content and articles on behalf of our mutual clients, and easy to work with. On several occasions we have been “stuck” and needed fresh ideas, and Carrie provided great recommendations and delivered! We are thankful for Carrie and her excellent work!"
- Brett Cafferty, Everything Knoxville Magazine
Areas of Expertise
I specialize in B2B and B2C in the areas of business and career, interior design and architecture, home organization and decluttering, lifestyle and profiles, tourism and hospitality, and fashion and professional image. No matter my topic, I search for its link to humanity and how it matters within our daily lives. My goal is to tell stories that grip the audience and make them want to keep reading.
"Carrie is an exceptional writer. She has a way of delivering substantial information while giving inspiration at the same time. Thus, you naturally allow yourself to be guided by her words of wisdom. Through her words, you feel her positive energy."
- Monica Prado, Communicare Training and Development
Career Background
By creating a career that spanned multiple industries I’ve gained diverse experiences that provide a solid foundation for my writing:
· Interior Design
· Custom Dressmaking
· Professional Speaking
· Retail
· Career Services
· College Recruiting
· Fundraising
· Image Consulting
I’ve worked in a unique variety environments including national and multi-national companies, local non-profits, and higher education. If I haven’t worked or been educated in a particular field, I probably know someone who has.
"I've known Carrie through professional associations for over 15 years. My wife and I have been interviewed by her in two different articles that helped people in their careers. She's articulate, a great writer and always prepared with the right questions to get the best information for her readers because she does her homework as a professional."
- Don and Anne Marie Truza, The Transition Team, Inc.
As Your Journalist, I Will…
… be responsive and communicative.
… pay attention to what you need and request.
… show courtesy and respect to those whom I interview on behalf of your publication.
… not act, but ask, if I need clarification.
… fact-check, proofread, and deliver as clean a draft as possible.
… never miss a deadline, and should that be a possibility, you’ll know long before it becomes a problem.
… do my job, so you can focus on yours.
"If you know Carrie, you can hear her voice as you read her writing. If you haven’t had the pleasure of introduction, imagine the sweetest, most encouraging voice and you’ll come close. Carrie writes with the same truth, dignity and kindness that she exhibits in everything she does. I was honored and blessed to be her editor."
- Katie Rymer, Knoxville Style Magazine
I’m a proud member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA), the nation's largest professional organization of independent nonfiction writers, and the American Copy Editors Society (ACES), an international members’ alliance of editors.
Read my 12-month blog, Decade N° 5, written the year I turned 50.
“’Hello, Ric, this is Carrie McConkey. I’ve been assigned to write your story.’ After my rambled and disjointed facts, Carrie stitched together the perfect article capturing us and the history of our residence. Attention to details, confirming facts, and final proof of what she’d written… always professional and on time. And somewhere along the way, we made a new friend.”
- Ric Miller
