Freelance Writer and Madonna University Adjunct Professor Danielle Alexander

This week’s Writer Wednesday is freelance writer and Madonna University Adjunct Professor Danielle Alexander from West Bloomfield, Michigan!

Danielle is both a composition professor and writing specialist at Madonna University, as well as the owner of Edify LLC, a Metro Detroit tutoring, editing and freelance writing business. She works with secondary and post-secondary students all over Metro Detroit on college application essay writing, standardized test preparation, homework help and more. She is also a freelance writer and regularly contributes to a variety of local publications, including SEEN Magazine and Metro Parent.

Danielle will be leading our virtual workshop, “Don’t Fear the College Application Essay,” on Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. EST. In the workshop, Danielle will discuss and model how to dissect essay prompts, hone in a topic and direction and compose a captivating introduction. 

This event is geared toward high school students preparing for the college application process; however, those working on personal statements or scholarship essays could find the session useful, as well. Register here! Learn more about Danielle below!

What is your favorite part of the writing process?

In journalistic writing, I love the moment when I’ve discovered (a) unified theme(s) within my messy notes since suddenly they don’t feel so messy (and overwhelming) anymore; once that happens, it’s usually easy for me to piece the story together from there. Likewise, in academic writing, I love completing a unified and organized outline as that’s the hardest part of the writing process for me. 

What does your writing workspace look like?

Unless I set my alarm for 5 a.m. (yawn), between two young kids and two dogs, it’s tough to get writing done at home, so I am actually most productive at coffee shops. My favorite is Farmhouse Coffee in Farmington Hills — the bottomless coffee mug option saves me every deadline!

What do you love the most about teaching?

I love when my students realize that they can actually write. So many of them are so scared of it, and I love their expression when I say, “That’s it! You nailed it!” They’re always like, “Wait, what? That’s all I needed to do? Seriously?!” It’s awesome. 

What is your favorite non-writing hobby?

I love taking barre and reformer classes, but on a clean hair day, snuggling my kiddos and pups is the absolute best. Also, did I mention coffee?

What is your favorite piece of writing advice?

In her book “Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life,” my girl Anne Lamott recalls the piece of advice her father gave her brother when he was working on a project on birds the night before it was due: “Bird by bird, buddy. Just take it bird by bird.” While writing — and honestly just in life in general — it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but if you break the assignment (or task) down into smaller, more manageable parts and go one step at a time, it’ll slowly come together. A little bit of progress is better than no progress, and this advice is always what keeps me motivated to keep going. 

What writing projects are you currently working on?

I regularly contribute to SEEN Magazine and write sponsored content for Metro and Chicago Parent. I also have a creative piece titled “Sonder,” which has been in the works on and off for eight years, that I really need to finish.

Follow Danielle on Instagram at @dnalexander.