About

I AM EMILY WITHNALL: WRITER, EDITOR, AND WRITING INSTRUCTOR. 

I was born in the high mountain desert of northern New Mexico. New Mexico's red earth and aching blue skies run in my veins. An incomplete list of the places I have lived--mostly in New Mexico--include: a movie set with no running water, a house visited by hummingbirds, raccoons, black bears, and neighbors' cows, a thatched hut in Guatemala with an outdoor kitchen and outhouse, a crumbling, brick Victorian house, and a 100-year-old adobe along the railroad tracks. Place informs my thinking; in my writing I often reflect on the people, cultures, and historical narratives that converge in complex ways to reveal deeper understandings of where we've been and where we might go. 

I am particularly interested in the intersections of big ideas and events, especially when the pairing of disparate topics reveals surprising connections and deeper insight. I approach my writing with curiosity and abundant research. Experimental/cross-genre nonfiction is one of my favorite genres. 

I also enjoy writing articles, conducting research, and helping others craft writing that accurately captures their thinking. I am an editor professionally and also offer freelance editing to writers working on essays, articles, memoirs, or any other type of nonfiction work—whether it is a literary analysis, op-ed, art criticism, or scientific literature review. 

Thank you for visiting my website! I'd love to hear from you.