About JoAnna Haugen

I am a globe-trotting, idea-inventing, culture-collecting creativity connoisseur with big dreams and a desire to touch all seven continents. In my former life I worked as a copywriter, but I am now a full-time freelance writer who has written everything from menus and brochures to news articles, magazine features and books. I love stumbling upon fresh ideas, interviewing fascinating people and learning new things on my journey to inform and entertain through my writing.

Writing Experience

I am a writer of all trades: Blogger, travel writer, magazine writer, copy writer, ghostwriter, technical writer, editor and everything in between. I am represented by Bree Ogden of D4EO Literary Agency.

• I manage and write Kaleidoscopic Wandering, a popular travel blog of colorful journeys with a special emphasis on Las Vegas.
• I am the community news editor for the National Peace Corps Association, which gives me the opportunity to interact with former Peace Corps volunteers like myself.
• I am the managing editor for Journey Beyond Travel, which offers information about traveling in Morocco.
• I am the brainchild behind The 52 Letters Project, a movement to bring back the handwritten letter.

I have written for more than 40 print and online publications, including those noted below. My work has also been published on dozens of blogs. Please feel free to request published clips where links are not available or for more information on my portfolio.

Caribbean Travel & Life, a magazine that has highlighted the culture, cuisine, history, resorts and activities around the Caribbean for more than 25 years.

American Way, the in-flight publication for American Airlines.
> Sample article: Try This: Trailer Lodging

up!, the in-flight publication for WestJet.

TravelSmart, a consumer newsletter about the travel industry.

Pathfinders Travel, the travel magazine for people of color.

Vegas Magazine, a  publication highlighting the luxury lifestyle in Las Vegas.

Kiki, an independent magazine that empowers young women to be strong, confident and creative.

AAA Highroads, the AAA magazine for Arizona and the Desert Southwest.

Matador Network, the most widely read independent travel magazine.
> Sample article: Learning to Yodel in Switzerland
> Sample article: Creativity Found: Hicksville Trailer Palace

National Geographic Traveler Intelligent Travel, the blog for National Geographic Traveler.
> Sample article: Mexico’s Green Oasis

BootsnAll, an organic community focused on indie travel.
> Sample article: Cultural Tourism: Does It Help or Exploit Local Communities?
> Sample article: Everything You Need to Know About Agritourism

BackHome, a bi-monthly magazine that delivers information on sustainable living.

Las Vegas Review-Journal, one of the largest daily newspapers in Las Vegas, Nevada.
> Sample article: Job Seeking in the Tech Age
> Sample article: Curious George Exhibit Encourages Children to Explore

Cheer Biz News, a trade publication for owners and coaches of competitive cheer training and gymnastics centers.

Dance Teacher, the only magazine published exclusively for dance teachers.

CityRoom, a lifestyle magazine for the 21st-century international urbanite.
> Sample article: Relaxation Begins with Me
> Sample article: Barre Las Vegas: Where Small Movements Make Big Changes

Six78th, a junior high lifestyle magazine available in major bookstores throughout the United States.

NextStepU Magazine, a publication that offers information to students on what to do after high school.
> Sample article: Beyond the Beach: A Crash Course in Alternative Spring Breaks

WorldView, the official publication of the National Peace Corps Association.

Interviews

I am occasionally interviewed for blogs, radio shows and books or featured in publications due to my travel experiences and background. Feel free to contact me if you would like more information on where these interviews and features can be found.

Education

• MatadorU Travel Writing Course, 2009
• The Copywriter’s Workshop, National Seminars Group, 2008
• Institute for Children’s Literature, 2006
• Washington State University, bachelor of arts in public relations, 2003

Honors

• Grand Prize Winner, WanderWomen Write Contest, 2009
• Winner, Sharing Travel Experiences World’s Most Inspirational Place Contest, 2009
• Winner, International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association 2010 Conference Scholarship
• Winner, Volume One 2009 Flash Fiction Contest
• Honorarium recipient, 2009 Digital Vagabonding Roads Scholar
• Recipient, Jim Collins Fellowship, National Peace Corps Association
• Recipient, Outstanding Writing Portfolio, Washington State University, 2003

Memberships

• Member – International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association, September 2009-present
• Member – Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, January 2010-March 2011
• Member – Las Vegas Quills Women’s Writing Group, August 2007-December 2009
• Facilitator – Las Vegas Quills Children’s Writing Group, April 2009-October 2009