Today we’d like to introduce you to Missy Stone
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My family and I moved to Charleston, SC in January of 2021. We had just moved from North Carolina and were still living in our RV at the time. I had been sharing a lot of our RV story online via social media outlets, such as Instagram and Facebook and also on my personal blog, missystone927.wordpress.com. We moved here for my husband’s teaching job, and immediately fell in love with the area. Charleston has historic charm, beautiful beaches, warm weather and so much to do! My family was immediately entranced with the city. Since I have always had a love for writing, my interest became a reality when I saw that Lowcountry Parent Magazine was looking for writing contributors. This magazine is a subsidiary of the Post & Courier, a major news outlet here in the lowcountry. My application was accepted, and I began contributing articles for their monthly publications. I do not tell a lot of people this, but when I started out, I was not paid and was only writing very little per month. My “payment” was being published, which was exactly what I wanted and needed at the time. I say this to encourage you to go for a writing position, even if the pay is little to nothing if it promises publication of your content. Eventually, it can turn into a paid position and one that you truly enjoy. It has helped me connect with local entrepreneurs, businesses, hotels, restaurants, and even online influencers. I am still happily writing for Lowcountry Parent today, along with Charleston Moms, another local online magazine. I also enjoy freelance editing and ghostwriting.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Writing is a skill that takes time, planning and introspection. There are so many different types of writing that we can tap into as well, such as blogging, article writing, book writing (fiction and non-fiction), writing newsletters and more. There are also many different audiences to consider for each type. I have always been more of a non-fiction story writer since I was a child. I remember having to learn how to construct a newspaper article in the third grade and having the most difficult time doing it. I was putting in way too many adjectives and story lines where they were not needed. My teacher gracefully showed me what I needed to edit and remove in order to make it a true news article, with only the facts and not all the added things you want to see in a novel. But it doesn’t mean it came easily, or that I enjoyed it. (Actually, that was the first time I remember not enjoying writing.) That’s what makes this almost humorous now that I am writing articles for online local magazines. The great thing about the ones I am writing for is that creativity is allowed and encouraged. My editors have done a wonderful job in helping me improve my online writing pieces, and I continue to remain teachable so I can make each article even better than the previous one. When I want to relax and write something more personal, I use my blog.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Since I write for two local family-oriented online magazines, I focus on family-friendly content. Whether that is local interests, travel, vacations, health information, homeschooling, crafting, or cooking, it must be something beneficial for parents and/or families to read. I also enjoy highlighting local establishments by informing our readers of the numerous amazing small and larger businesses to support in the Charleston area. Whether that is through interviews, media events, or simply by visiting, I am thrilled to share information about our local businesses. Each year, during the Christmas holidays, I write an article featuring local hotels and inns where families can enjoy vacations or staycations in the Charleston area. Many hotels have hosted my family in order for us to receive first-hand experience so that my recommendations can be genuine and honest. I receive frequent messages on my Instagram page, MomaboutCharleston, from people coming to visit the city. I am asked where to stay, where to eat, and what to do with little children and teenagers during their visit. I love giving recommendations, and helping families choose activities they will enjoy while they are here. Since there are so many options in the lowcountry, I advise people to plan on returning as there is no way to do and experience everything there is to offer here in just a weekend or short trip. I also enjoy helping locals know where to take their families on vacation. Since many of our readers live here in Charleston, they may want to explore other areas of the country with their families. I try to focus on places within a reasonable driving distance or an easy plane ride away. Thankfully, the Charleston International airport is always offering new direct flights to places such as Florida, New York, and many other great destinations. I am very proud of these travel articles, and love hearing people tell me that my article has convinced them to put that destination on their list of places to visit with their loved ones. I am not the typical “influencer” with the perfect outfit ideas, or large social media following, but writing is my outlet, and thankfully these local magazines bring in thousands of readers a year making it possible for me to continue this career.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I have several favorite childhood memories, but one I fondly recall was visiting New York City with my parents, grandparents, and cousins. I remember seeing the Statue of Liberty for the very first time and being amazed at the immense size of it. When you see something in pictures your entire life, but then see it in person it can be life changing. We also visited Ellis Island with my grandparents who were immigrants from Holland. I do not remember anything I ate or bought that day, but I remember learning so much about American history. Sharing the experience with family made it even more memorable. This is why experiences are so much more important to me than material things. Memories last a lifetime!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://missystone927.wordpress.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momaboutcharleston/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/missy.stone.94/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/missy-stone-479640271/
- Other: https://www.postandcourier.com/lowcountryparent/contributors/missy-stone-contributor/article_baad333e-218a-11ec-b2e8-c78a82f71232.html
