renee schettler
about
You may not recognize my name, although chances are you’re familiar with my work.
I've spent the last decade conceptualizing, assigning, writing, editing and otherwise refining hundreds of lifestyle articles at The Washington Post, Real Simple and Martha Stewart Living. Along the way I've studied the mercurial habits and tendencies and whims of the industry as well as those of the individual reader. I've come to appreciate that the manner in which content is conveyed is just as important as the content itself—perhaps even more so—and have embraced that philosophy as I seek out writers whose voice and experience and perspective align with a particular topic. I've reached out to authors who are Pulitzer prize-winning as well as previously unpublished and have continutally introduced ever-evolving print and online initiatives both playful and sophisticated.
My sensibilites—and I use that word loosely—are infused throughout these pages. My perspective has been informed by the many exceptionally creative and often off-the-wall individuals with whom I’ve worked—among them not just writers but editors, art directors, photographers, even diplomats. I tend to blur the line between the practical and aspirational aspects of everyday life, whether offering instructions on how to turn standard supermarket bouquet into a stunning arrangement, comprehend the subtle charms of stubbornly slow-to-ripen stone fruits or embrace the pleasures of a proper moment taken for oneself.
For those who care to count such things, my writing has been recognized by the Association of Food Journalists, my ability to teach and otherwise convey insights to others was sought out by MediaBistro, my approach to all things food-related prompted an invitation to judge the James Beard Foundation Cookbook Awards, my kitchen literacy was featured in The Best American Recipes cookbook series and my take on the world—or at least on Thanksgiving dinner—was sought out for inclusion on NPR’s Morning Edition.
All of this I've aspired to accomplish with some measure of originality, inspiration, practicality, humor and grace. But you can be the judge of that.