Susan’s work: smWordWorks
Freelance Writing
“Susan Mathis delivers! Her articles for our publication are consistently well written and on target. I appreciate her keen insight and positive attitude, too.” —Jackie J.
As an accomplished writer, my profession is working with words. So please contact me if you need a project done in a timely manner—and with excellence!
As a full-time professional writer with experience in magazines, newspapers, and books, I’ve authored hundreds of published articles in multiple national publications, co-authored two books, and contributed to several other books. From preparing for married life to issues of midlife marriage; from parenting a newborn to parenting adult children; from topics related to the family, missions, teaching—and life, I can write just about anything for magazines, newsletters, newspapers, and the web.
Profiles and Interviews
“Susan writes beautifully with wisdom, authenticity, and compassion—and her heart for people shines through.” —Brandy B.
I’ve had many opportunities to do profiles and interviews with both well-known people and ordinary folks. I had my own weekly “Just Folks” column for a year, interviewing local individuals, telling their unique stories, engaging the community in understanding their neighbors, and building a sense of unity. And during my tenure at Focus, I interviewed and wrote cover stories as well as profiles on numerous people—celebrities such as Anne Graham Lotz, Bruce Wilkinson, and Michael W. Smith—as well as others. So if you need an interview-based article, let me know.
Collaborative Writing
“The fact that Susan is not only a gifted author, but also a caring, dedicated, compassionate person helps her choose just the right words and makes her a pleasure to work with. She makes it clear that she cares deeply about the authors and projects that she works with.”—Lindsay T.
If you need a collaborative writer to help organize your manuscript or simply help you produce a high-quality product, let’s talk.
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Freelance Editing
“Through the journey of Susan editing my book, she has proven to not only have an eye for ingenious editing, but she also has a God-inspired touch when it comes to authorship and editorial coaching.” —Julie B.
As a professional editor my experiences and expertise with directing editorial content in magazine and newsletter development, as well as with book editing, copyediting, content editing, and proofreading can serve you well and help move your project from good to great.
The bottom line is, I love editing and will masterfully help your project become the best it can be. Contact me to discuss how I can help.
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Consulting and Mentoring
“I loved attending Susan’s writing workshop. Not only did she share tips on how to write great books, but she also shared so much of her own writing journey. This gave me a renewed passion to keep my own writing dreams alive.”—Joan Campbell, Johannesberg, South Africa
“Susan brings years of teaching experience and editorial skill to her position as a writing and editing consultant, offering the very best of both her personal and professional expertise.” —Pam W.
For Writers
“The insight, techniques, and critical thinking I learned from Susan in a short time with her, gave me the confidence and ability to complete an entire book project!”—Melissa E.
“Susan gave generously of her time and counsel, and I gained valuable new direction in the writing and marketing of my books.”—Joan C.
Do you want to write or become a better writer, yet you don’t know where to start or lack confidence? As a mentor, I take great delight helping you as a new or developing writer become all that God has called you to be! I will skillfully mentor you, getting you past your fears or writer’s blocks, taking you and your writing to the next level, and helping you move forward in your writing journey.
For Publication Editors
“Susan has an eye for the big picture editorial aspects of purpose, readership, and marketing, and she pairs this with a solid attention to detail. This makes her editorial direction valuable for any team that needs her wisdom.” —Andrea J
I enjoy mentoring editors and will masterfully help you grow in your craft, design or redesign your publication, create strategies for streamlining your work and professional life, understand how to move a publication to the web, and know how to navigate a myriad of details that an editor encounters.
I have lots of experience that can help you in your journey. I’m the Founding Editor of Thriving Family magazine and former Editor/Editorial Director of 12 Focus on the Family publications, including five versions of the Focus on the Family magazine, and four versions of the Focus on Your Child newsletters. I was also the editor of LifeWise magazine and Single-Parent Family magazine, directed the editorial department for seven years, and have been teaching at writing conferences for over a decade. My unique experiences ensure that you will receive professional, seasoned assistance in helping you be more successful. Please contact me for more information.
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Speaking
“At our first South African Writer’s Club, Susan imparted a flame—igniting our souls and lighting up those smoldering dreams and desires to express, to write! Susan gave us a rare feast of encouragement, inspiration, and practical pointers.”—Ann R., Johannesburg, South Africa
“Susan’s professional knowledge of many facets of the publishing industry make her a great workshop presenter at writers conferences. I highly recommend her!” —Joyce E.
“Susan is passionate about encouraging young writers, coaching aspiring editors, and touching the hearts of readers around the world.” —Pam W.
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As an experienced speaker at conferences and other venues, I love to help women prepare for all of life’s adventures—those challenges and changes that come in marriage, parenting, and family life. I also enjoy helping writers and editors develop their craft and hone their skills. Since 1993, I’ve been a speaker at teacher’s conventions, writers conferences, and other organizational gatherings such as Evangelical Press Association (EPA). I currently mentor writers and editors, lead a bi-monthly writers group, and co-lead the regional EPA meetings. Contact me if you need a speaker for your retreats, conferences, or other events.
FOR WOMEN:
PREPARE FOR LIFE’S UNEXPECTED ADVENTURES!
I’d love to discuss your group’s needs and schedule and will try to accommodate your needs, if possible.
Retreat Package: Prepare for the Adventure! Women of all ages struggle with adjusting to change—some more, some less. We will identify the change styles and learn ways to navigate all kinds of change—the good, the bad, and the ugly. With understanding, wisdom, and warmth, Susan teaches how to:
- Face change with a sense of adventure and know that God is in control.
- Trust God in the midst of it
- Embrace change and learn from it.
- Also included is “The Changing Seasons of Marriage” session or “The Changing Seasons of Parenting” session
Single session: Prepare for the Adventure! This is an abbreviated look at the adventures of change in a woman’s life (above).
Single session: The Changing Seasons of Marriage Susan will teach on the adventures of change in married life. You will learn ways to navigate change that will help your marriage thrive.
Single session: The Changing Seasons of Parenting Susan will teach on the many adventures of change in parenting. You will learn ways to navigate changes that will help your family thrive.
FOR WRITERS:
PREPARE FOR THE ADVENTURE OF WRITING!
Following is a list of workshops I do, but I’d be glad to do a multiple session, continuing education module as well.
Writing From Your Sweet Spot You desire to write, even feel called to write. So how do you creatively connect, nurture your vision, grow in your craft, persevere through the challenges, and find God’s plan for your writing life?
So You Wanna Be a Pro? I had a dream…to write full time. But it’s not as easy as it sounds. Learn how to move from part-time to full-time writing from one who’s making the transition—everything from setting up shop to publishing to finding an agent.
Words that Work Like producing a symphony, creating a written work of art takes vision, hard work, skill—and teamwork. We’ll talk about how to hone your vision, work effectively, develop your skills, and work with your editor well.
Keeping the Focus In today’s culture, unbiblical worldviews often creep into writing, even from seasoned professional writers. So what, exactly, is a worldview, and how does a writer convey a biblical worldview—without getting theological? Through an interactive discussion, learn how to recognize secular thinking and find out how to make sure your writing or the writing of those you edit—whether secular or Christian—communicates principles that align with biblical truth so you really make a difference in the lives of your readers.
Terrific Titles Titles tease. Titles sell. Titles either work for or against you. So how do you create terrific titles—for articles, blogs, or even books? Let’s find out.
As a Little Child It’s easy to lose the beauty of the moment, an awareness of the senses, delight in the small things, and the sweet simplicity that can make your writing life, and your writing itself so full and vibrant. Come for a hands-on workshop to ignite your creativity in a whole new way and be amazed how it’ll bring your writing alive!
For Editors: The Ideal Editor Come and learn some tried and true tips for editing a magazine or newsletter article to make it a memorable piece of art. Topics will include: making effective assignments, respecting the author and keeping his or her voice, and employing the art of being an invisible editor.
