Emily Capps / writer

When I was eight, I got a big, fat lump of dead skin on my middle finger—right where I held my pencil. I got it because I wrote all the time, so I drew a happy face on it.

At WINTHROP UNIVERSITY in Rock Hill, SC, I discovered my love for essay questions—and Lump grew. When I graduated with a very practical BS in SOCIOLOGY, a MINOR in POLITICAL SCIENCE and the SOCIOLOGY HONOR SOCIETY PRESIDENT gig under my belt, I looked for work.

A friend suggested advertising—something about being an account something-or-other. I said I'd rather write 'em. "Well go get an internship," he replied. So I did—at ELBERSON SENGER SHULER in Charlotte, NC from April 1996 to Feb. 1997.

Seven months into it, a mentor heard of an entry-level position and passed it on. When I got it, Lump cried happy tears. Turns out my first real job was at CALZONE & ASSOCIATES in Lafayette, LA from Feb. to Sept. 1997.

As tasty as the food was, I fled the oppressive heat and later landed a nifty job at OGILVY & MATHER in Atlanta, GA. From May 1998 to Jan. 2000 I was there. Lump ate up the broadcast work—it tasted sweet.

As I explored new areas of writing at WESTWAYNE in Atlanta, GA from Jan. to July 2000, Lump grew. Grew to love the joy of writing content for the web and the discipline needed for direct mail.

After the downsizing, 'lil Lump was silent. Maybe she felt cut off—Ms. Keyboard was my favorite writing utensil now. And honestly, she was cut off. By a doctor in a cold, white exam room. But alas, Lump's nub adores FREELANCING and loves being a part of the glad hand that meets so many new people.

Lump or no Lump, I write PRINT, BROADCAST, WEB CONTENT & DIRECT.