Doris Holmstrom has been writing for as long as she’s been able. She started in grade school, writing class plays at first, then short stories—binders full of them—and news for the high school newspaper. She’s been working at writing for more than 40 years, in newspaper, public relations, employee communications, and now as owner of WriteUP Editorial Services LLC. She’s earned associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English, with an emphasis on writing, and continues to hone her craft, not only by writing, but by reading as much and as often as possible. She’s amassed far more books than she has shelves to hold them.
Doris has spent the bulk of her career in writing and in newsletter editing and publication, also doing award-winning video production and advertising management, photography, art and design management, print production management, even some low-end graphic design and desktop publishing, all of which she brings to the table at WriteUP. She’s written for internal and external media both—newsletters and magazines, booklets, brochures, training manuals, recruitment materials, posters, flyers, press releases, print and radio ads, video and more—often taking complex subjects and translating them into clear, concise and compelling text. Her belief is that, if she doesn’t understand it, the reader won’t.
Doris’s writing has been described as exacting. She says it’s because she edits and rewrites extensively, taking pride in a strong, Midwestern work ethic. She’s also deadline driven, but that’s not to say hurried. She is careful.
Paper, papermaking and papermakers have been the focus of much of Doris’s career, but her subjects have been many and varied. In fact, she likens the manufacturing setting to a small town, with all the elements therein, and finds almost every one of its inhabitants to have a story captivating and unique. And her experience extends well beyond the forest products industry. Her work has appeared in publications ranging from the Michigan Health Sciences Libraries Association News to Foodservice Equipment Reports.
Doris and WriteUP are rooted in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan—in the Eastern time zone—on the far northern shore of Lake Michigan. Her office fronts on the woods and the changing seasons, yet she remains just a keystroke or telephone call away. References and testimonials to Doris’s good work are available for the asking.
Built into WriteUP’s business plan is the promise to give a tenth of its profits to faith-based charities.