Contributing Writers

Jill Becker is an award-winning writer and Editor-In-Chief with 30 years of publishing experience. As a freelancer, her work has appeared in dozens of magazines and websites, including CNN, Woman’s Day, and HGTV. Her previous staff positions include 9 years as an editor at Texas Monthly magazine, 10 years as an editor at American Airlines’ inflight magazine, 2 years as the editor of a travel trade publication, and, most recently, 2 years as the editor-in-chief of Simply Buckhead magazine. Contact her at jillb05@comcast.net.

Jennifer Almand owns Almand Specialty Painting & Design, and has been beautifying homes in Northwest Georgia since 2006. She lives with her husband Rick, and their three dogs, in scenic Kingston, Georgia. In addition to murals and faux finishes, Jennifer paints furniture and custom art, designs tile mosaics, backsplashes and showers, works as a home organizer, and consults with her clients on fabrics, finishes and fixtures to make their homes unique. Jennifer also enjoys photography, riding her Harley Davidson, playing with her “fur-children”, donating her time and talents to community charities, and pursuing any and all creative endeavors. You can contact Jennifer at (706)346-1590, visit her business page on Facebook, or email her at jalmand941@bellsouth.net.

Ande Frazier is a nationally recognized author and financial expert based in Rome, Georgia. Specializing in behavioral finance, she writes and speaks about how emotions and mindset shape our financial decisions. A frequent contributor to outlets like CNBC, HuffPost, and Yahoo Finance, Ande is also the author of the Amazon best-seller Fin(anci)ally Free!

Patricia Montgomery is a freelance photographer who offers fine art images for the walls of homes and businesses with sales of her work all over the United States and as far away as Australia.  She also provides photographic services for commercial and marketing use, aerial photography, as well as for engagements, weddings, and individual / family portraits. Patricia lives with her husband, Monty, near Cave Spring, Georgia in a cozy cabin atop a forested mountain they lovingly call Bucks Mountain. Online image galleries

Kathy Patrick, a resident of Rome, Georgia, loves cooking, traveling, book club, slalom waterskiing, and gym workouts, but her favorite activities are polka dancing and bicycle trips with her husband, Marty Cipollini. A retired software sales professional, Patrick volunteers with the Rome Little Theatre and Georgia chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation.

Robert Smyth is a native of Rome Georgia and spent over 20 years in radio broadcasting in sales, production, and on air performance.  He was honored with the title of class AA performer of the year for the state of Georgia from the GAB in 2006 as well as several radio production and performance awards. He is a graduate of Auburn University in Communications with an emphasis in broadcasting and has an extensive back ground in media and marketing related fields. Mr. Smyth joined the Marketing and Business Development team at Coosa Valley Credit Union in 2007. He serves on several committees for the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce and works closely with other local organizations and charities. Mr. Smyth is also a member of the Exchange Club of Rome and serves on their Board of Directors. He is married to Becky C. Smyth and they have 4 children. Joseph 12, Ashlee 10, Carolyn 9, and Sarah 16 months. Robert Smyth can be contacted at rsmyth@mycvcu.org.

Dana Lynn Thompson is a writer, dog mom, and founder of Surviving Everyday Stress, a blog for people suffering with IBS and anxiety. She hopes to make a difference in the lives of people struggling with everyday stress. Dana lives on a small farm with her rock star husband, three rescue dogs, and two horses. She can be reached at www.DanaLynnThompson.com.

Rachel Turner is a freelance writer and humor blogger. She also runs a traveling murder mystery party business called Make it a Mystery. Georgia born and raised she lives in Woodstock with her husband and two sons. Drop by her blog, www.rachelshumor.com or email her at justpeachy1123@gmail.com.

Carrie Karnes-Fannin is a creator of both stories and spaces. In her day job as President of Archadeck of Northwest Georgia, she treats every backyard not as a job site, but as a blank page. After growing up in the Ozark Mountains, Carrie found a home in the Georgia foothills, where she now helps her neighbors write the next chapter of their lives through custom-designed outdoor living spaces. Whether she is studying how the afternoon light hits a new sunroom or crafting the whimsical prose of her upcoming children’s book, Universe Pie, Carrie’s creative work is always a life-affirming pursuit of beauty and function.

Ciara Carver is a freelance writer and editor. She is also the owner of East of the Moon Tarot, where she offers a range of intuitive services. Currently expecting her first child, Ciara keeps busy creating weird art for charity and hitting the trails of North Georgia. Contact her at eastofthemoontarot@gmail.com.

Paula Davis-Laack, JD, MAPP is a burnout prevention and resilience expert who helps professionals break their addiction to being busy and overwhelmed. She is the author of Addicted to Busy: Your Blueprint for Burnout Prevention. Please visit Paula’s website at www.pauladavislaack.com or email her at paula@pauladavislaack.com.

Jerry Erickson, a Licensed General Contractor, owns Erickson Construction. His company specializes in kitchen & bath remodeling, basement and attic remodeling, and other residential renovations. He’s a former jock that enjoys watching sports more than participating, although he’s always up for a round of golf. Jerry is married to Laura, and they live in Marietta. His two adult sons, J.T. and Jack, live and work nearby. Contact Jerry at jerry@ericksonconstructionservices.com.