MANDI ANN
Led by faith. Motivated by love. Inspired by stories.
I’ve spent much of my life feeling invisible—different, misunderstood, and never enough. Overwhelmed by the world's demands telling me who I should be and what I should do, I desperately tried to mold myself into someone else’s image. Yet, the more I tried to fit into a neat little box, the more I watched as my true identity disappeared.
My experience isn’t unique: I think most of us can relate to the struggles of finding our identity. Living in a culture with abundant advice and opinions is difficult. Learning to tune out the noise is a daily battle. But for some, like me, the invisibility can become suffocating. Stories have always been my escape. They allowed my mind to let go, connect, and dream. Within them, I discovered my passions, hopes, wants, and needs without ridicule or judgment.
I attended a personal development event in my early twenties that would unknowingly prove to me just how transformative stories can be. For three days, I sat shaking in my seat amongst hundreds of strangers in a large meeting hall. I almost walked because my fear of being noticed was overwhelming. But then, a panel of guest speakers got on stage and began sharing their personal stories. I quickly became transfixed as I listened to them describe their failures, traumas, triumphs, and breakthroughs. Their stories, although different from mine, also shared many similarities. For the first time, I felt I was amongst people who would accept me for exactly who I was. And yet, these people were strangers. Something shifted in me that day: the speakers' vulnerability and honesty forever changed me.
During that conference, I realized that if stories could transform me, they could also do that for others. Ironically, a once-invisible little girl has grown into a woman who seeks to help others embrace their authentic selves by using the power of story—to connect, heal, transform, and inspire.
EDITORIAL PROJECTS
Ongoing Beta Reader- Under NDA: Over 20 Books Submitted
The Guardian’s Secret (Romance/Thriller): Developmental and Line Editor
The Yellow Birds (Contemporary Fiction): Developmental and Line Editor
Novel- Under NDA (Romance): Developmental and Line Editor
Novella (Romance): Line Editor
Novel- Under NDA (Romance): Developmental Editor
Curse of the Cyrstal Wolves (Romance/Fantasy): Developmental and Line Editor
Elara and Kieran (Romance): Developmental and Line Editor
Four Book Series- Under NDA (Romance): Developmental Editor
Sundown at Sundance (Thriller/Romance): Developmental Editor
Executive Protection International (Thriller): Beta Reader
Hunter Reins (Romance): Developmental and Content Editor
Neon Jezebel (Fantasy): Beta Reader
The Four-Sided Triangle (Fantasy): Content and Line Editor
Mamas Are A Tribe (Non-Fiction): Developmental and Content Editor
PUBLICATIONS
Beauty and Lifestyle Magazine Blog // Borrowed and Blue Blog // Two Bright Lights Blog // Wedding Wire Blog // Lace in Light // Elegant Magazine // Surreal Beauty Magazine // Pump Magazine // IMIRAGE Magazine // Brand Model Magazine // DIY Weddings Magazine
Blogger for: Ilona Jade Photography // Dream Dresses by PMN
SPEAKING AND KEYNOTES
You Got This Event // Front Seat Life Event // My Own Boss Podcast // 425 Radio Show // Front Seat Life Podcast // Photography Fireside Podcast
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Writing Certificate from the University of Washington
Editing Certificate from the University of Washington
Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin
On-going Advanced Education in Writing and Editing Courses
Editorial Freelancers Association Member
Author of Creating Your Purpose-Driven Business: A 30-Day Plan for Developing a Personal Brand and Business Strategy.
SKILLS
Proficient in Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, Mailchimp, Squarespace, Wix, and other business management software such as Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint. Proficient in the Chicago Manual of Style, APA Style, and Webster's Collegiate Dictionary.
MORE FUN FACTS
I am a crazy, hopeless romantic at heart. I feel deeply and love hard. If I’m not reading, writing, spending time outdoors, or with family, then you will most likely find me immersed in my other passion— photography.