Intern Spotlight: Meet Annemarie!

by Annemarie Tompsen
Spring 2015 Intern

As a young child, Dr. Seuss was my best friend. In the bright early mornings I would climb onto my fern-green couch and read. Surrounded by a pile of books and stuffed animals, I would read his rhythmic stories aloud. With my chest puffed out proudly, I spoke in the best adult voice I could muster. According to that little girl, I was going to be a teacher—but I also dreamed of storytelling. I wanted to create stories that could mold my dreams into something greater. I remember running my fingers over the pages of the Dr. Seuss books, but even then I weaved new stories of my own creation using the books’ characters.

When I got older, I found myself pursuing an English degree at Albertus Magnus College in Connecticut. Simply put, I was comfortable. The copious amounts of reading and writing were elements I enjoyed, but the sheer uncertainty of my path plagued me. I realized quickly that teaching was not what I wanted to do. Instead, I desired to explore the written word—specifically, my own.

Desperate to find my way, I got involved on campus. It wasn’t until I became the co-president of Breakwater, the college’s literary magazine, that I felt whole. I felt intensely drawn to the process of editing; although this was a small-scale magazine, I experienced publishing enough to make me hungry.

To feed that hunger, I moved to the Boston area to attend Emerson College’s Publishing and Writing graduate program. In only two semesters, I’ve learned more about the publishing industry than I could have ever hoped. My favorite task involved a project where I helped create the Percolator, an online magazine that targeted hip Bostonian coffee drinkers. Through this experience I was able to pursue my love for writing while also taking on the role of senior editor.

Naturally, after learning more about the publishing industry, I wanted to see how it worked firsthand. When I interviewed at Publishing Solutions Group, I knew this was where I could combine my interests and put them to great use. All in one setting, my love for editing, writing and learning could be combined. Through projects I have worked on and the process of blog writing, I have learned how to work through the drafting process, how PSG’s services are marketed and how to research for a variety of tasks. I look forward to a future career in publishing, and my story is just beginning!

Little-Known Facts about Annemarie

Many people have a personal item that they carry with them when they move, and Annemarie’s Keurig machine has loyally been with her for three moves. From home to college to Boston, this machine has been with her through thick and thin. Luckily, it still works, and Annemarie can continue to brew her average of two to three K-cups a day. Other precious packables include her Lord of the Rings book collection and her white marble horse bookends.

Annemarie is also a proud Norwegian-American and can be spotted sporting her Norwegian hat and scarf on many a cold occasion. She has visited her family in Norway, a group who is just as friendly and crazy as she is, and she plans to go back to visit soon.