Since 2015 I have been a contributing writer to local newspapers, magazines, and community news sites in the Atlanta area. I almost exclusively pitch the content that I write, and generally provide photographs to go along with my pieces. My favorite stories are developed through deep, personal conversations with interesting people. I’ve often said that being a journalist is the best because I’m able to pop into someone’s world, learn all about what they do and why it’s important, and then share their stories. Through my years of writing I have made many friends and learned far more about the world than I ever would have imagined.
I have written hundreds of stories about everything from history, to businesses, doctors, civic leaders, artists, food, travel, and much more. While it would be impossible to share everything I’ve written, I have sampled below some of my favorite stories from my career as a journalist.
Author pages: Atlanta INtown Newspaper, Atlanta Senior Life & Reporter Newspapers / Peachtree Corners Magazine / Oz Magazine
The Last Video Store: Videodrome has loyal following
When I moved to Atlanta in 2007 the Internet had not fully surpassed movie rental shops. There was a Blockbuster on Ponce as well as Movies Worth Seeing in Morningside, known for its selection of difficult-to-find and foreign titles. For a time, they were popular and thriving; however, both of these spots have since closed in the wake of Netflix, Redbox and online streaming services.
And yet, a single movie rental shop remains and thrives in the new digital era: Videodrome. More at the Atlanta INtown Newspaper
Threading The Needle: Atlanta Costumers Set The Tone for Georgia’s Most Iconic Productions
“More Blood! More Blood!” Mauricia “Mo” Grant, a costume supervisor working on the set of the 2014 film No Good Deed, took a deep breath. She dipped a hand gingerly back into her supply of fake blood, trying to follow the assistant director’s orders while still remaining calm. Grant continued to apply more and more of the red goop to actor Idris Elba’s chest for the next shot, carefully and slowly as she had learned to do, so as not to go overboard, but her pace did not please the assistant director. “More blood!” he yelled again. More at Oz Magazine
For the Love of Nature: Wylde Center celebrates 25 years of environmental stewardship
Composed of seven acres of land split between five different gardens, the Wylde Center is an invaluable resource for the communities which they serve.
Oakhurst Garden, the first Wylde Center garden, was created by Sally Wylde in 1997. This first foray into community gardens was a result of Louise Jackson’s response to neighborhood children trampling her yard back in 1996. Instead of finding ways to prevent the children from walking through her garden, Wylde and Jackson partnered with neighbors and invited the children to become caretakers of the greenspace. Read More at the Atlanta INtown Newspaper
Light it Up! Chantelle Rytter leads the return of the BeltLine Lantern Parade
The interactions between performers and bystanders might be short, but they are powerful. Just a moment of recognition, an exchange of beads, or a smile passed from one to another, can be enough to make an indelible impression on a person. Anyone can join the processional which makes these parades a unique outlet for community engagement.
“It’s soul fun; the kind of fun that touches your soul,” said Rytter. “Collective joy –we need it.” Read more at the Atlanta INtown Newspaper
Put Your Feet Up – Setting the scene from stem to stern with these growing Georgia prop houses
How does one truly “sell” a film to an audience? There are many ways that film industry professionals can create compelling and dynamic works that tell a story, one of the most fundamental being the use of props. Short for “theatrical property,” props have been used in film, television, and theatrical productions for hundreds of years. The term first appeared in the Oxford English Dictionary in 1841. During the Renaissance, many theatrical troupes would pool resources and travel together, putting on performances in a variety of locations. More at Oz Magazine
Horror renaissance man helps keep Atlanta weird
From the litany of Halloween themed events like the Little 5 Points Halloween Parade to zombie films and shows in production year-round, this city has its fair share of spooky happenings for horror lovers. Behind the scenes of many of the weirdest, creepiest, and most bizarre productions in Atlanta is Shane Morton, an artist with a fondness for monster movies. More at the Atlanta INtown Newspaper
Patio Vibes: Grab a bite & a cocktail al fresco
In my younger years, patio hangs were almost exclusively reserved for post-hangover brunches. But now, as a wife and mother, I’m much more likely to snag a quick happy hour cocktail, grab lunch with my kid, share a romantic evening with my husband, or get some quality time with my friends on a warm afternoon before the hustle and bustle of toddler bedtime. More at Atlanta INtown Newspaper
Isadora Pennington 