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About me

I began working in writing and editing as a way to pursue as many questions as possible. From medical and institutional materials to literary criticism and poetry, I’m fascinated by the power of language and the work it does.

Currently, I teach in the English program at Southwest Minnesota State University. Outside the classroom, I’ve served as managing editor and chief poetry editor for The Tower, worked as an ArtWords judge, published peer-reviewed scholarship in English Journal, and written literary analysis for ClimateLit. My research interests center on nineteenth-century literature, especially Jane Austen, with a focus on how modern readers interpret characters through contemporary language around cognition, behavior, and difference. I find just about everything fascinating, am a bit of a perfectionist, and believe that there’s immense power in learning.

Afton was able to craft my manic thoughts into very eloquent pieces of content. Afton is very communicative and is very conscious of the power of the written word. She treats each piece with respect and effectively can adapt her writing style to the need of each unique piece. I am grateful for the work she has helped us with thus far and proud to say we will be a client for quite some time!

— Ry Russell, founder, RYZAbove Media Group

It was clear from the very first day just how devoted Afton is to her work. When discussing pieces of art and literature, her comments are discerning, respectful, and professional. When discussing tasks to complete, she regularly volunteers her time and resources, and often gives above and beyond what is necessary. When problems arise, she calmly suggests solutions, and never bothers to linger on assigning blame. She is skilled in editing, leadership, project management, and communication, and beyond that is just a good, upstanding person. I am grateful to have worked alongside her, and excited to see where life takes this fantastic worker!

— Bailey Arman, Managing Editor, The Tower

Afton is a skilled writer and editor with a great base of retail knowledge that allows her to understand audience needs and create compelling copy that targets the right consumer. While writing product copy for Target.com, she’s been very attentive to detail, both when it comes to spelling/grammar and achieving the right voice for a brand or item. She has consistently managed a high-volume workload independently, and always maintains a positive attitude and strong commitment to writing accurate, quality copy across a wide range of brands and categories.

— Stefanie Pinkney, Communications Manager, Periscope