Amy Kortuem’s writing career began when she wrote her first book of poetry in first grade. She’d like to think she’s gotten better at it since then.

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Her love of reading and writing lead her to earn a B.A. in English with a concentration in Creative Writing from Minnesota State University - Mankato. She also earned a B.A. in Mass Communications, focusing on advertising writing and corporate communications.

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Amy worked as an advertising and content writer in the social print and web industry for more than 20 years, with her ads and articles appearing in Martha Stewart Weddings and Modern Bride magazines. She also wrote the copy for Monique Lhulillier’s exclusive line of wedding invitations inspired by the designer’s couture bridal gowns.

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Outside of her full-time job, Amy attended creative nonfiction writing workshops  lead by her favorite authors and writers, including Cheryl Strayed, Pam Houston, Lidia Yuknavitch, Jamie Cat Callan, Mark Doty, Nicole Helget, and others. She began work on a memoir of time spent in Paris and wrote personal essays, one of which was published in The Briar Cliff Review and another in Mankato Magazine. Her freelance writing has appeared in MNSU TODAY Magazine and local bridal industry magazines.

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Amy put advertising copywriting aside to pursue another passion: children’s books. She has authored several educational children’s book series for Capstone Publishing and worked behind the scenes on hundreds of other books as a proofreader, fact checker, and editor. The first time she saw one of her books in the children’s wing of the local library, she jumped up and down and clapped her hands — and the children joined her. It was one of her proudest writing moments.

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Amy continues to work on her memoir and personal essays, and on a collection of linked pieces about grieving the loss of her mother in 2021. She offers her freelance writing and editing skills to individual authors and organizations.