Clips

(You can also visit my Authory page for further writing samples)

As a seasoned and award-winning writer, editor, journalist, public relations professional, college adjunct faculty member, and as a marketing consultant and business coach, I have been afforded many opportunities over the past 2 1/2 decades to interpret messages and share others' stories both visually and literally. 

Also, as a literary and visual artist, I have had been afforded multiple opportunities to express my own creative thoughts through words of poetry and prose, inspired by scenes and structures such as those I have captured from behind the viewfinder of my smartphone or digital camera.

Samples of my completed commercial/client projects, creative literary works, and gallery-exhibited/purchased photography pieces can be viewed here. (Additional clips of my written commercial/client work can also be viewed on my Authory page.)

Article for RiverBend Growth Association, Godfrey, IL. Distributed & Published in December 2021

Article 4 of 5-Part Series  for JEDC Partners in Progress, Jerseyville, IL. Distributed & Published in December 2021

Flyer Created for Legacy Turns & Burns, Bunker Hill, IL. Published on Multiple Online Platforms

Article Written for the Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau of Southwest Illinois Fall/Winter 2021 GoGuide

Article Written for the Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau of Southwest Illinois Fall/Winter 2021 GoGuide

Book Series Edited for the former West Virginia-Based Author George Kidwiler, Jr.

Self-Published Poetry Anthology, Available for Purchase through Amazon.com

Photo by Melissa Crockett Meske; Exhibited at Jacoby Arts Center Gallery, Alton, IL; Two Prints Purchased and Now in Private Collections

Photo by Melissa Crockett Meske;  Exhibited at Jacoby Arts Center Gallery, Alton, IL; Print Purchased and Now in Private Collection

Reviews

Here's what others have to say...

My work with them resulted in many rewarding experiences, personally and professionally, creatively and commercially, through collaborative efforts over many years.

I've known Melissa Meske for decades in my roles as both newspaper supervisor and collaborator.

We worked closely on news and feature projects for The Telegraph daily paper in Alton, Ill., and for my monthly business publication, the Illinois Business Journal.

Along the way, she blossomed into a reporter, author, editor and manager.

She is a master wordsmith, but some of her greatest strengths are organizational ones. She is a stickler for deadlines, accuracy, grammar and facts.

Words and how they are written truly are important to her.

She never let me down and frequently impresses me with her abilities.

Most of all, I'm touched by her friendly personality. In a world where egos frequently clash, she is a true professional.

I am honored to say kind words on her behalf in return for the scores of times she came through for me.

Dennis Grubaugh

I first met Melissa Meske during my tenure as a local school district administrator. Her youngest was a student in the district at that time.

I watched her demonstrate a deep-seeded commitment as a single parent to raise her child against the common stereotypes that often come with being a single mom.

We crossed paths again a few years later in our community leader roles – hers as the regional newspaper editor and mine as the school district superintendent.

Over the 10-plus years I have known Melissa, she has consistently shown unbridled professionalism, conscientious leadership, collegial respect, and a formidable work ethic.

Melissa has mastered the art of writing and editing, along with an acumen for bringing stories to life that readers want to, and are able to, read and understand. Her organizational, project management, and prioritization skills are equally impressive.

Anyone who reaches out to Melissa can count on her timeliness, approachability, educated insights, thoroughness, and dependability. Without hesitation, I can easily recommend Melissa Meske to anyone searching for a true professional.

Lori Franke-Hopkins, Ed.D.

As a former partner in marketing for Grafton Technologies and as co-chairs for Marketing and Public Relations for the local American Cancer Society Relay For Life, my experience working with Melissa Meske has always been excellent.

She is thorough, professional, respectful of others ideas and most importantly (from an artist's perspective), creative.

Melissa has real vision for a project from start to finish and provides the leadership and expertise to see it through.

Personally, she combines the diverse qualities of laid-back approachability with an on-task, manager's sense.

She has many talents, and whatever capacity you are privileged to work with her, she is sure to bring out the talents of those around her with encouragement and energy.

I enjoyed working with Melissa.


Michael Davenport