Who in the World is Shannon Lausch?

She’s a fresh graduate of North Central College with a degree in Political Science. Shannon Lausch says her dream job is to be an archivist at a presidential museum, but in the meantime, she’s having fun with freelance writing and exploring topics such as education, journalism, science fiction, arts and entertainment, and more on AC.

I caught up with Shannon to find out how this talented writer broke into freelance writing, and who she’s currently reading in the AC community:

SK: How did you get started with writing for AC?
SL: I was browsing Freelance Writing Gigs and the writers there were discussing Associated Content. I was all like “Oooh, what’s that?” and decided to check it out.

SK: Your favorite content category to browse at work:
SL: I like to browse the history and education pages. I also usually check
out whatever is featured on the main page.

SK: Do you write for other online sites or publications or only on AC?
SL: I write for Demand Studios as well as for private clients. I’ve recently started writing fiction thanks to the fun contests over at Accentuate Writers. Making stuff up is much more fun than writing factual articles.

SK: Your most popular/most commented/newsworthy article?
SL: My most commented article is “It’s Official: Google Hates Me,” which
is just a silly rant. My most popular article is “Stephen Colbert Auctioning His Boots on Ebay.” It still gets a few hits, which is surprising considering it happened in early December.

SK: Name one website you visit at least once per day:
SL: I love reading xkcd.com comics. The math ones go over my head, but I enjoy most of them.

SK: Three CPs that have inspired you/whose work you enjoy reading regularly:
SL: Three? Only three? I’m so going to cheat on this question. I’d like to
thank Angie Mohr, EMohrman, and Tsu Dho Nimh for their help on the
forums (and there are many more who’ve helped me and continue to help
me). Angie is always there for any questions I have.  EMohrman and Tsu Dho Nimh always help me with SEO in the Writer’s Workshop.

I also love to read articles from Michelle L Devon (Michy), Michael Segers, and theBarefoot. Michy is just an all-around fantastic writer, and I learn a lot from reading her articles. Michael has great and fascinating articles on religion. Articles from theBarefoot are always hilarious.

SK: Your favorite form of caffeine?
SL: Diet Pepsi. I hate coffee and tea. Does this mean my writer’s card (if
I have one) will be revoked?

SK: A favorite hobby when you’re not writing for AC?
SL: Reading. I know, not exactly a unique hobby when it comes to writers. I adore Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series. I love fantasy and satire in general, but I’ve been trying to broaden my horizons and read nonfiction, so I can learn something useful while I’m reading.

SK: Your favorite article topics to write about are…
SL: I’m currently on a U.S. Presidents kick. I also enjoy writing about education topics, especially college academic tips.

SK: One pearl of wisdom for any AC Content Producer?
SL: I’m not sure if I have any. Does “whenever you go to the Writing
Workshop in the AC Forums, listen and take the advice of the nice people there (and yes, E is always nice and sane in that particular section)” count?

SK: Your favorite quote about writing or otherwise:
SL: A quote from “Writing Tools,” by Roy Peter Clark really rang with me:
“Why, then, did it take me twenty more years to imagine I was a
writer? Perhaps it’s because we teach and learn reading as a democratic craft—necessary for education, vocation, and citizenship—but writing as a fine art. Everyone should read, we say, but we act as if only those with special talent should write.”