I didn’t dream of writing ads when I was young. I dreamed of Shakespeare, and reaching the world through playwriting, a dream I followed from Iowa Writers’ Workshop to productions of my plays across the country to … the pandemic. And a chance to think different.

The first time I saw an ad I wrote appear on my social feed, I realized my work was capable of reaching audiences in sizes I’d never dreamed of achieving on a stage. And I was in love again. Collaborating, learning and laughing again, asking “What if?” and making incredible work I’m proud to call my own has been a reward I hadn’t anticipated. Hearing my family shout “That’s Emily’s commercial!” at the TV? That’s been the dream I never knew I had.

But who am I? I’m just Emily, creative problem-solver, quick learner, perpetually curious loud laugher and enthusiastic storyteller (hand gestures included).

I grew up in rural Virginia and still consider myself a Southern girl at heart. I know the lyrics to most musicals written before 2005. I know way too much about Mary Shelley and obscure social media sub-cultures.

And I still write plays, but maybe it’ll be a novel next …?

When I’m not writing, I’m reading (mostly fantasy novels), fixing up my 18th century house in Philadelphia, telling ghost stories, fiercely supporting our hometown teams (Go Birds!) or tinkering with an old recipe.

In addition to my advertising/marketing work, I freelance for Wine Spectator magazine as their unofficial Royals Correspondent. And yes, Kate Middleton is my fashion icon.

Looking for my plays? Read them on the New Play Exchange.