Kelly Smith

I am a technical writer with CIBER currently working for the federal government.

I am former Senior Editor for Quilter's Newsletter Magazine in Golden, Colorado.

I'm also a freelance writer and author of Open Your Heart with Quilting. My new book, How to Build, Maintain, and Use a Compost System is out now!

My Examiner.com column still exists, but I have stopped writing for them as of Sept. 2010.

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- Back GenQ’s Kickstarter!
  
  Mar 01, 12
  
  Former Quilter’s Home editors Jake Finch and Melissa Thompson Maher along with Scott Hansen, and Meghan Dougherty, are trying to transform their awesome website – GenerationQ – into an awesome print magazine. They are trying to raise $20,000 to print … Continue reading →
- Location, location, location
  
  Oct 26, 11
  
  Another part of developing a novel structure is planning the locations. Just like with a movie, the “set” makes a difference. Where do your characters live? What kind of place is it (urban, suburb, rural?) If it’s a city, is … Continue reading →
- Characters and emotions
  
  Oct 25, 11
  
  Now that I have a rough plot nailed down, I need to think about my characters. Sometimes they come first for me, before any story, but this time they are still vague. Last week I jotted a few notes about … Continue reading →
- NaNoWriMo Plotting Part 3
  
  Oct 20, 11
  
  After the basic plotting steps I talked about part 1 and part 2, it’s time to start elaborating on the bare bones scene descriptions. To do this, I took each scene listed in part 2 and jotted a sentence or … Continue reading →
- NaNoWriMo Plotting Part 2
  
  Oct 19, 11
  
  Last weekend I asked how you dream up a plot. I’m still waiting for a response from anyone… Despite your lack of comments, I thought I’d post part two of my plotting series. NaNo starts in – ack – 13 … Continue reading →
- How do you dream up a plot?
  
  Oct 15, 11
  
  In 2009 I participated in National Novel Writing Month and I actually finished – I achieved the 50,000 words I had to write! (I haven’t done a damn thing with the resulting draft, but that’s neither here nor there.) Last … Continue reading →
- I think I’ve recovered…
  
  Oct 14, 11
  
  In mid-September I saw a Groupon for a half-price trail ride for two. My husband works with horses all day and loves them. He also hasn’t been riding in years. I am not a horse person by any stretch of … Continue reading →
- Lookout Mountain
  
  Sep 04, 11
  
  Today we decided to go for a drive to Lookout Mountain – a mere 30 minutes away. Our destination was the gift shop at the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave (yes, he’s actually buried there, along with his wife). A … Continue reading →
- The highest I’ve ever been
  
  Sep 03, 11
  
  A couple of days ago I posted about the first day of our all-too-short summer vacation. I promised a follow up and since I’ve accomplished a lot today already (Totally cleaned the kitchen (a 2-hour job for Eric and I … Continue reading →
- From underground to 14,110 feet
  
  Sep 01, 11
  
  Or, What I did on my summer vacation… As many of you probably know, this was the worst summer of my life due to an abrupt and unexpected layoff from my dream job. But I am employed again (at a … Continue reading →
- Quilts for Japan – Project Threads of Hope
  
  Jul 23, 11
  
  My friend Chris Dahl has asked me to spread the word about a project she’s working on – Quilts for Japan – Project Threads of Hope. Quilts for Japan is an organization dedicated to the collection of quilts for the … Continue reading →
- Curried Chicken Salad
  
  Jul 16, 11
  
  When I lived in Michigan I belonged to a wonderful Tuesday-night writer’s group. For awhile we met at a tapas restaurant in Benton Harbor. One night we showed up and it was closed and we were all *very* bummed. We … Continue reading →
- Books for sale
  
  Jul 14, 11
  
  A few days ago I added a shop to this site, but mostly it’s a dry list of titles, ISBNs, and prices. I thought I would highlight a few of the great books I have for sale and provide photos … Continue reading →
- Yogurt redux
  
  Jul 14, 11
  
  I couldn’t wait any longer to try my homemade yogurt and I wanted something sweet and cold, so I made a smoothy. First, the ice and some fruit. Next, some homemade yogurt. Blend, and then… It’s very tasty!
- Homemade Yogurt
  
  Jul 14, 11
  
  A few days ago, my friend Molly (@VintageReader on Twitter) sent me links to some information about making homemade yogurt. I love plain yogurt. I eat it every day for breakfast and use it to make sauces and in baking, … Continue reading →
- What’s new?
  
  Jul 08, 11
  
  I’ve added a shop to this site where you can buy books, magazines, and e-patterns. So far I only have one pattern up, but I hope to add more soon. I also have the same pattern up on Pattern Spot … Continue reading →
- Win a copy of my book!
  
  Jul 04, 11
  
  Summer is in high gear here in Colorado and that means gardening! No matter where you live, or how small your garden (even window planters count!) your plants can benefit from the application of compost. If you think composting is … Continue reading →
- Thank you
  
  Jul 01, 11
  
  “Good luck.” “Something will come up. You’ll see.” “…better times WILL come.” “You’re a good person.” “It’s not fair.” “You’re in my thoughts.” “I am outraged on your behalf.” “I’ll pray for you.” These things (and variations of them) are … Continue reading →
- More quilting magazines for sale
  
  Jul 01, 11
  
  I posted a collection of quilt magazines for sale yesterday. Those were ones I had subscribed to and I had lots of each. This list is made up of a variety of miscellaneous quilting magazines I’ve bought off the newsstand … Continue reading →
- Back issues of quilting magazines for sale
  
  Jun 30, 11
  
  I have several back issues of various quilting magazines for sale. All prices are plus shipping. Items that are crossed out have been sold. I accept PayPal payments only. These are from a non-smoking, cat-owning household. All complete sets are … Continue reading →
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- .@levarburton This is for you. RT @MandyHubbard I invented a new emoticon: |-) <-- its the dude from Star Trek.
  
  May 24, 12 from TweetDeck Reply, Retweet, Favorite
- "We're very sorry, but the HR handbook says..." (re: last tweet).
  
  May 24, 12 from TweetDeck Reply, Retweet, Favorite
- @museinks I'm having surgery June 8. No rest until then. :-P
  
  May 24, 12 from txt Reply, Retweet, Favorite
- @MuseInks We moved over the weekend. I'm exhausted! Still moving a few things. Then cleaning. Then unpacking. Argh!
  
  May 24, 12 from TweetDeck in reply to MuseInks Reply, Retweet, Favorite
- Things I would love to have: magic wand; husband who asks "How can I help?" Instead of, "I'm not doing that."
  
  May 22, 12 from TweetDeck Reply, Retweet, Favorite
- I just emptied 6 boxes and I'm so hungry I'm shaking. Time to make supper. #unpackingsux
  
  May 22, 12 from TweetDeck Reply, Retweet, Favorite
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Info

Info

Profile
- Kelly Smith
  
  Technical Writer at CRGT
  
  Information Technology and Services | Greater Denver Area, US
  
  Summary
  
  Experienced non-fiction author, professional writer and editor with experience in IT consulting, magazine publishing, technical writing, quality assurance, project coordination, and business analysis.
  
  Familiar with CMOS and AP style.
  
  Specialties: Writing, editing, training, website design, newsletter design, writing and editing. Software quality assurance. Project coordination and management.
  
  Experience
  - Mar 2012 - Present
    Technical Writer / CRGT
    
    Technical Writer for CRGT Inc., currently working with the Bureau of Reclamation within the Department of the Interior. I write technical and business documents, write, edit, and design an internal newsletter, and maintain an intranet site.
  - Jul 2011 - Mar 2012
    Technical Writer / CIBER, Inc.
    
    Tech writer for Ciber Federal, currently working with the Bureau of Reclamation within the Department of the Interior. I write technical and business documents, write, edit, and design an internal newsletter, and maintain an intranet site.
  - Sept 2010 - Jun 2011
    Senior Editor / Creative Crafts Group
    
    Researched, developed, wrote, fact checked, edited, and proofread features and quilt patterns. Worked with authors/contributors to assure that submitted material was accurate, clear, and true-to-voice. Analyzed finished quilts, determined yardage requirements, and wrote instructions for quilt patterns. Initiated new content. Maintained accurate records, database entries, and contracts. Represented QN by traveling to trade and quilt shows to establish relationships with readers, contributors, and advertisers and on the Web by engaging with readers through various social media outlets (Facebook and Twitter). Contributed regularly to the QN editors’ blog. Resolved customer service inquiries related to assignments.
  - 2010 - 2010
    Author / Atlantic Publishing Group Inc.
    
    I wrote How to Build, Maintain, and Use a Compost system. This how-to book will help new and experienced composters alike. You can buy it at Amazon or your favorite bookstore. http://www.amazon.com/Build-Maintain-Compost-System-Basics/dp/1601383541
  - Sept 2008 - Sept 2010
    Columnist / examiner.com
    
    As National Quilting Examiner on examiner.com I wrote about everything related to quilting - products, books, shows, techniques, patterns, personalities, etc. I conducted interviews with quilt authors, teachers, designers, shop owners, and others to provided you with the most up-to-date information in the industry. Check me out on examiner.com under Home & Living, or just search for "quilting" to find my column.
  - 2003 - Jul 2009
    Contractor / Whirlpool Corporation
    
    At Whirlpool I performed several functions including: Software Quality Assurance analyst Project Control Specialist EDI Support analyst
  - Sept 1997 - Jul 2009
    Senior Consultant / Keane Inc.
    
    I was a Senior Consultant at Keane for nearly 12 years. I worked for a variety of clients and did everything from programming to tech writing to project coordination and software quality assurance work.
  - 2007 - 2008
    Author / Dreamtime Publishing
    
    I wrote a book called Open Your Heart with Quilting, published September 2008. OYHQuilting is an inspirational, "how to" title that helps people use what they know to help them succeed in life. It is also meant to introduce people to fun new pastimes that they may not have tried before.
  - 2007 - 2008
    Author / DreamTime Publications
    
    Wrote Open Your Heart with Quilting: Mastering Life Through Love of the Patches
  - 1997 - 2008
    Consultant / Keane
    
    In my tenure with Keane I have worked for a variety of companies including retail grocery chains, an international pharmaceutical company and an appliance manufacturer. My skills include technical writing, software quality assurance, EDI, Keane Guide to Project Management (KGPM), Keane’s Application Management Methodology (AMM), Keane’s Approach to Software Quality Assurance (SQA), Keane’s Productivity Management Methodology (PM), Keane's Project Estimating and Risk Management Methodology (PERM), Object Oriented Design (OOD), Rapid Application Development (RAD), Software Engineering Institutes (SEI) Capability Maturity Model (CMM), and Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
  Education
  - 2004 - 2005
    
    Capella University
    
    Masters in Education
  - 2001 - 2002
    
    Northeastern University
    
    Certificate in Technical Writing
  - 1998 - 1999
    
    American Intercontinental University
    
    Masters in IT
  - 1987 - 1991
    
    St. Thomas University (CA)
    
    BA in English
  Additional Information
  - Websites:
    
    Personal Website, Company Website
  - Interests:
    
    writing, quilting, reading
Posts

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- Stitched: art quilter documentary
  
  Aug 06, 10
  
  Stitched is a one-hour documentary that follows art quilters Caryl Bryer Fallert, Hollis Chatelain, and Randall Cook as they try to finish their entries in time for the Houston International Quilt Association Show. The film, which will be released...
- Donate quilt blocks to help Nashville flood victims
  
  Aug 04, 10
  
  Rainbow Around the Block is a project to provide quilts to the families affected by the flooding in Nashville, TN this past spring. Quilters can donate unfinished 12-1/2-inch by 12-1/2-inch (12-inch by 12...
- Lowell Quilt Festival
  
  Jul 29, 10
  
  The Lowell Quilt Festival in Lowell, Massachusetts runs from Thursday, August 12 to Saturday, August 14. This show, titled IMAGES, is New England's premier judged and juried quilt show.The show will feature special events and exhibits, a live...
- AAQ New from Old contest winners
  
  Jul 11, 10
  
  The Alliance for American Quilts (AAQ) has announced the winners of its fourth annual contest "New from Old". The contest challenged quilters to create a new quilt from something old – old fabric, an old UFO...
- Delicious Fabrics
  
  Jul 01, 10
  
  Have you heard of the Moda Bake Shop? As a quilter you probably know Moda best as the makers of positively delicious fabric by designers such as Sandy Gervais, Eileen Taylor and Lynn Hawley Bloomquist of Holly Taylor designs, and...
- Amish Country Quilt Garden Tour
  
  Jun 21, 10
  
  The Amish Country Quilt Garden Tour is in full swing. As mentioned previously, the tour runs until October 1 and features 17 quilt gardens, as well as 17 beautiful quilt murals. You can download a map to take a self...
- Making fabric flowers
  
  Jun 14, 10
  
  Sometimes a quilting project needs just a little something extra. A wall hanging may need a three-dimensional element, or a purse may need a small decoration to perfect it. Fabric flowers are a great way to add that finishing...
- New Star thread by Coats and Clark
  
  Jun 10, 10
  
  Are you a long-arm quilter looking to try a new thread?Coats & Clark have improved their Star threads with a great line of 32 new colors to coordinate with the latest fabrics."Star thread has always been...
- 2009 Quilting in America survey released
  
  May 20, 10
  
  The 2009 Quilting in America survey was released today and it shows that the quilting industry is alive and well despite the recession. The survey, conducted every three years and sponsored by Quilts Inc. and Quilters Newsletter magazine, shows...
- Learn to applique with Alex Anderson
  
  May 18, 10
  
  Do you want to learn how to applique by hand or machine? Alex Anderson is offering a series of free online classes and all you have to do is join The Quilt Show. The introduction and lesson one are already...
- Enter the Fabshop Pie Days challenge
  
  May 13, 10
  
  Today is National Apple Pie Day in the United States and the FabShop folks, who bring you regular online shop hops are celebrating. This time, instead of looking for the famous Shop Hop Bunny, you'll be searching for pie...
- Win a Jinny Beyer quilt kit
  
  May 03, 10
  
  Would you like to win a free quilt kit or other great prizes from Jinny Beyer Studio and McCall's Quilting?On Tuesday, May 11 only, you will be able to enter to win one of these three great prizes...
- New border prints e-book from Jinny Beyer
  
  Apr 28, 10
  
  If you have been quilting for any length of time, you have most likely heard of Jinny Beyer. Jinny is the creator of several elaborate and brilliantly-colored lines of fabric. She is also the queen of border prints.Jinny...
- Electric Quilt 7 to be released June 7
  
  Apr 26, 10
  
  If you are a fan of Electric Quilt, you'll want to check out their new release, EQ7, coming out June 7, 2010. The new version has plenty of new features that will let you: Turn digital photos into art...
- AccuQuilt barn quilt contest
  
  Apr 23, 10
  
  Would you like to win a $1000 shopping spree and a trip to AccuQuilt?The makers of the AccuQuilt template cutter are looking for a barn quilt design to paint on their headquarters building in Fremont, Nebraska. 1st place winner...
- Free fabric art videos from Talking Threads
  
  Apr 20, 10
  
  If you are looking for some fun new ideas for fabric art check out 10 free online videos featured on Talking Threads. The hosts, Jamie Malden and Holly Pulsford, interview a wide variety of fabric and thread artists and each...
- FabShopHop
  
  Apr 02, 10
  
  Have you ever been on a shop hop? What about a virtual shop hop where you can shop, and enter to win prizes, from the comfort of your home? The April FabShopHop is on now. With 175 shops taking part...
- Quilting events in Northern Indiana
  
  Mar 29, 10
  
  Are you looking for a quilting getaway this year? If you are a quilter who lives in the Midwest, chances are you have been to, or at least heard of, Shipshewana, Indiana. Shipshewana is a town of less than 600...
- Mark Lipinski joins All American Crafts as Creative Director
  
  Mar 01, 10
  
  Mark Lipinski Joins All American Crafts, Inc. as Creative Director Quilt industry designer, journalist and lifestyle personality, Mark Lipinski, to develop and create new titles for respected craft and hobby industry publishing company. Stanhope,...
- Bohemian Rhapsody quilt goes missing
  
  Feb 22, 10
  
  Edited Feb. 24, 2010:Ricky's quilt has been returned to him safe and sound. You can read his blog post about it. Quilter Ricky Tims has lost one of his award winning quilts, Bohemian Rhapsody.The quilt was...