Professional Author Academy
Instructor: Nicole Evelina

Authorial Experience

• Four novels (historical fiction and contemporary romantic comedy) and one non-fiction book.
• Novels have collectively won more than 20 awards, including two Book of the Year designations.
• Bachelor’s in English from Fontbonne University, St. Louis, MO.
• One of only six authors who completed a week-long writing intensive taught by #1 New York Times bestselling author Deborah Harkness.
• Writing has appeared in The Huffington Post, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Independent Journal, Curve Magazine and numerous historical and writing publications.
• Received the silver-level award for Best New Voice from the Independent Book Publisher’s Association.
• Owner of Lawson Gartner Publishing.
• Successfully launched five books in print and ebook formats, as well as four in audio.
• Experienced speaker, workshop leader and panelist at international, national, regional and local conferences and events.

Professional Experience

• 15 years in marketing, specializing in communications planning and internal communications.
• Winner of a platinum Hermes Award (international designation) for marketing plan, plus several regional and local communications excellence awards. 
• Master’s in Media Communications (Public Relations) from Webster University, St. Louis, MO.
• Bachelor’s in International Business from Fontbonne University, St. Louis, MO.
• Accredited by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC).
• Part of the team that helped a multi-billion dollar company through a major re-branding process.
• Nearly 20 years of experience in web site design and maintenance.
• More than 10 years of social media experience.