Writing & Photography Portfolio
In addition to the photographs and blog posts included on this site, you will find more samples of my work below. These include the Introduction to my travel book on the French Riviera, and the Introduction to my recently published travel book on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State.
Recent Publications:
Article about 2019 Jazz Festivals on the French Riviera
Booklet for Paris-Nice Vacations website: “Ten Fabulous Day Trips in and around Nice”
France Today October 2018: Corsica Chronicles: A Week in Bastia
Website Audit & Blog Posts for Paris-Nice Vacations Website. Ongoing work for client with apartments in Paris and Nice (https://www.parisnicevacations.net)
Articles for France Today on the 2018 Nice Jazz Festival & Jazz-à-Juan on the French Riviera
Book Review for Perfectly Provence
Interview with Mary Kay Seales in Perfectly Provence
Cara: Aer Lingus In Flight Magazine
Asked to write the “Check In” page for the Feb/Mar 2018 issue to promote Aer Lingus new stop in Seattle, Washington. Features a round up of my five favorites along with my photos. (see link below, p.40)
France Today Print Magazine
Last summer, 2017, I attended an intensive language school in the South of France on assignment from France Today (one of the leading international journals on French language and culture). My 1500-word article on the school was published in the Fall issue of the print magazine of France Today and featured on the cover. The article included interviews with the directors of the school as well as my photos.
France Today Print Magazine: Feature Article “Learning French on The Riviera: Back to School” on the cover of the 2017 Oct/Nov issue (full article & photos 5 pages):
Here are a few comments from readers about this article:
“Loved this article, as it brought back fond memories of my October 2012 at l’Institut. Mary Kay has beautifully captured the essence of the experience. It was the very best way to learn to speak and to live in France on our boat. My Prof, Sylvie, is amazing. Tough, skilled, fun! Great staff and fascinating people attending. I have stayed in touch with several over the years. We adored Villefranche-sur-Mer and have now spent many months there, enjoying great old town apartments when we were not out cruising, rented from the incomparable Shelley at Riviera Experience. This is one of those epic life experiences that is challenging, rewarding, and great fun. If you’re considering it, don’t hesitate!” Mary Webb Walker January 24, 2018 at 4:41 pm
“This article is very informative and certainly entices one to give it serious consideration if spending any length of time in France.”Joe Nascimento January 25, 2018 at 1:53 am
France Today Digital
Nice Jazz Festival, 2017: On assignment as a member of the press covering the Nice Jazz Festival, resulting in 3 separate articles:
Interview with Mary Kay Seales in BAREFOOT WRITER (November 2017 issue): 2-page interview with me about freelance writing in publication for professional travel writers and copywriters
Introductions to published travel books, both available on Amazon:
Introduction to the Beginner’s Guide to the French Riviera
If you want to travel to the south of France and have a fabulous experience, then follow the advice in this book. Mary Kay is a seasoned traveler to this beautiful part of the world and can offer you the benefit of her vast experience. Having travelled with her here several times l can attest to the fact she offers a wonderful French experience filled with beautiful locales, wonderful food, scenic walks, and worry free travel. I highly recommend her book! Ann Fournier
Introduction to The Beginner’s Guide to the Olympic Peninsula
Once again Mary Kay in her down to earth humorous style of writing leads you on a tour of that mossy and wet “lost in time” area known as the Olympic Peninsula. Whether you just moved here or have lived here all your life, you’ll gain a new appreciation for this magical place. Greg Gilbert
PUBLISHED ONLINE TRAVEL ARTICLES:
France Today Digital Magazine:
“Mary Kay is a delight to work with. I appreciate her creativity and professionalism. Her photos beautifully complement the fabulous stories she’s written for France Today’s website.” Mary Winston Nicklin, Web Editor of France Today
Articles published on Perfectly Provence, an online magazine focused on the South of France:
France Today Print Magazine: Featured in the column “Little Black Book” in the 2016 Oct/Nov issue which are my suggestions for a place to stay, eat, a secret spot in the South of France.
Review of New Clothing Store in Seattle: “Seattle’s Chic New Clothing Store in Pacific Place: JNBY “Just Naturally Be Yourself”
BLOGS/NEWSLETTERS:
Featured Blog Posts on Further, the weekly newsletter of Copyblogger.com writer/owner Brian Clark:
- “The French Riviera for the Rest of Us”
- “Wining and Dining in Goychay, Azerbaijan”
- “Experience the Magic of the Olympic Peninsula”
- “Traveling to Bora Bora on a Whim”
Personal Travel Blogs:
PHOTOGRAPHY: National Geographic Your Shot