About me

Freelance writer, curious traveler, creative writing teacher.

My Background

 

I seek to tell stories locals know about, but that don’t always find a way into travel writing. I’ve written about oyster poachers in Connemara, the thriving Argentine tango scene in Portland, Oregon, secret gastronomic societies in the Basque Country, and attics full of aging traditional balsamic vinegar in Italy.

I’ve worked as a writing teacher, editor, literary magazine gofer, junior librarian, waitress, and harvest hand (for one day). Beyond New York City and Ireland—my second home—I’ve lived in Miami, Berlin, Oxford, and the Campania region of Italy, but love having a cappuccino somewhere new.

 

MFA, Nonfiction Writing

School of the Arts, Columbia University, 2017- 2019

Creative Writing Teaching Fellow

Columbia University, 2019-2020

 

Freelance Writer

2007 – Present

Freelance Editor

2010 – Present

Bylines

I’ve written for AFAR magazine, Food & Wine, BBC Travel, SAVEUR, The New York Times, The Daily Beast, Departures, Conde Nast Traveler, Bon Appetit, The Financial Times, TASTE, New York magazine, Delta Sky magazine, The San Francisco Chronicle, Fodor’s, and World Hum, among other publications.

Jessica is available for freelance assignments and project work.