A Note from Sarah

Hello,

I’m Sarah McCurdy Hinnenkamp, owner of Sarah McCurdy, LLC. I launched this writing firm based in Fargo, N.D. so I could do what I love – storycatching. Stories are everywhere and many businesses need help telling their stories. I have had the great opportunity to work with clients from around the country, from Florida to Hawaii and Wisconsin to my backyard of Fargo. I help small businesses find their voices and I help large businesses and agencies finish projects when they need extra hands that can meet tight deadlines.

What you’ll find on this blog is a look in to my creative outlet – these are the stories that appear in a weekly column in my hometown paper. My commercial portfolio, filled with examples of types of writing including blog posts, news stories, and news releases, is available upon request.

2013 is your year – never miss an opportunity. Be prepared with all of the media, marketing, storytelling, and social media tools you need to succeed.

You have a passion for your brand; I want to absorb that energy and use it to craft the right words for you. Whether you’re an individual, a small business or a large corporation, when you throw me in the game, you’ll get materials written in your voice. The words will support who you are and who you want to become. I will be as serious or as goofy as the brand requires. Trust me. I know both.

Let’s tell your story.

 

Professional Experience and Biography

I have experience on many different sides of the marketing and media industries, dating back to the mid-90s when I explored the world of radio broadcasting. I gained my first understanding of reporting, commercial copy writing, radio traffic, and board operations. Later, I graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn. with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications and a minor in Spanish.

From there I spent six years at KVLY/KXJB television in Fargo, N.D. covering lengthy court trials, city, county and regional meetings, feature stories and was nominated for a regional Emmy in 2009 for a feature story called “Rummage Ladies.” I am familiar with the inner workings of a television newsroom, who to contact to get covered, how live shots really work, and the importance of deadlines.

I also learned the ins and outs of magazine publishing while working with and consulting at a few different Fargo-based companies. First I worked at FrostFire Media Corporation, managing OPEN and Fargo Business magazines. OPEN was the city magazine for the Fargo- Moorhead area before it closed in the fall of 2009. I then consulted at Studio 7 Productions, a video production company that also published a magazine called Outdoor Design & Living Guide. When the publica- tion was sold to a new group, I remained in my position as content manager on a contracted basis and oversaw the editorial side of the operation for more than 7 of the quarterly issues before the magazine was sold again.

I am proud of the large number of clients I have helped during my short time in business and I hope you will enjoy learning about how I can help you.

Want to connect? Please do. Send an email to sarah@sarahmccurdy.net.

 

Speaking Engagements & Classes

Guest Speaker, North Dakota Professional Communicators Fall Workshop, Fargo, ND – spoke to communications professionals about my experiences as the official blogger on the set of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Oct. 2012

Emcee, Concordia Homecoming Parade, Moorhead, MN - co-emceed the hour-long Cobber homecoming parade for the fourth year in a row. Oct. 2012

Guest Speaker, Sweet Life After Concordia event, Concordia College, Moorhead, MN – spoke to alumnae and students about my career path and all its twists and turns. Feb. 2012

Guest Speaker, Naytahwaush Community Charter School, Naytahwaush, MN – spoke to the 5th grade class about storytelling, interviewing and television production in advance of their documentary project. Jan. 2012

Emcee, Concordia Homecoming Parade, Moorhead, MN - co-emceed the hour-long Cobber homecoming parade for the third year in a row. Oct. 2011

Presenter, Heritage Center, Icelandic State Park, near Cavalier, ND – presented a program on “The Importance of Story in Family and Culture.” May 2011

Panelist, Women’s Business Exchange, Fargo, ND – participated as a panelist during an hour-long discussion about social media. - January 2011

Instructor, Television Production Class, Moorhead, MN – taught this upper level class at Concordia College, filling in for a professor on sabbatical. – Fall Semester, 2010

Presenter, Business Expo at Minnesota State Community and Technical College, Detroit Lakes, MN – led two breakout sessions at the one-day event: “Telling Your Company Story” and “Getting Media Coverage for the Right Reasons.” – November 2010

Awards & Accomplishments

National Academy of Arts & Sciences – Upper Midwest Chapter Emmy nomination for “Rummage Ladies” – 2009

ND Associated Press – 1st Place – Hill Climb in Sports – 2009

ND Associated Press – 1st Place – Rummage Ladies in Enterprise – 2009

ND Associated Press – 3rd Place – Hill Climb in Best News Story – 2009

Nancy Burggraf: Power & Stride - joined book author Merrie Sue Holtan on a northern Minnesota book tour. The DVD of the same name is included with book purchase. I was on the team that produced the documentary.

“What Can I Do Now? Radio and Television” - interviewed for a book published by Ferguson that inspires students to choose media as a career. Printed in 2007.