I’m a writer and a reader. I’m a traveler, teacher and public speaker. I’m an editor, a blogger and an amateur photographer.

But I’m not a poet. Chances are high, however, that you’ll find me lingering over a lyric verse every now and again. I keep a running list of the books I read on my Reading page.

If I’m not reading, I’m probably writing. I’m a freelance writer, and I cover a myriad of topics. I’ve written about sustainable and organic lifestyles, home and garden, food and drinks and more. I’ve interviewed chefs, politicians, artists, authors, philanthropists and business owners. A while back, I served on staff at the Minnesota Women’s Press. Thanks to the skills I gathered there, I was able to launch my freelancing life.

In 2008, I started a webzine called Global Roam ink.™ It’s an online travel mag with an educational twist. Monthly articles feature real people with real-life travel adventures. Through these tales of exploration, courage and fun, readers can broaden their global horizons. Because lesson plans accompany the stories, teachers and students frequent the site.

Long before I ever made my way as a writer, I made my way as a teacher. My years in the classroom helped me shape Global Roam ink.™, and even though I’m not waking up and heading into school anymore, I can still be found in front of a whiteboard. I love the energy of a classroom and speak to students about the worlds of writing and travel whenever I can.

Which brings me to travel—my great love. I’ve studied abroad, lived abroad and worked abroad. I spent a good portion of my 20s somewhere other than home. I survived a cockroach attack in Guatemala and the plucking of my leg hairs in Vietnam. I’ve lived through too many dubious bathroom situations to ever count.

My blog—the ‘er’ files—tracks my path through all the different hats I wear in life. It’s a featured column on GoNomad, an alternative travel site.

I earned degrees from Concordia College in Moorhead and Hamline University in St. Paul. Both are located in Minnesota, which is where I live.

You can contact me at info@kellywesthoff.com