Meet Heather: the new special publication editor

When I'm not sure how to start I project, I tend to move it to the bottom of my to-do list. Like this letter: I've put off writing it until it couldn't be put off anymore.

So, where to begin? I guess with a little bit about me: I'm Southeast Missouri born and bred. Charleston, Mo., is the only place I've ever (and proudly continue to) called home. My father and grandfathers were farmers; I was a quintessential country girl. My maternal grandfather raised Missouri fox trotters (a horse breed that originated in the Ozarks), and I was riding a horse before I could walk. There's a picture of me tied onto my pony's saddle, my feet nowhere near the stirrups -- I was still a toddler.

I went to college at Truman State University in Kirksville, Mo., where I majored in journalism with plans to be a sports reporter. Along the way, I took an editing class, loved it and said so long to my Sports Illustrated ambitions. After college I took a job as a copy editor in Iowa City, Iowa, (a bold choice for a girl who hates cold and winter). I made many dear friends and developed a passion for college football (go Hawkeyes!), but when the opportunity arose to move to Cape Girardeau and be close to my family, I took it. I've been with the Southeast Missourian for more than four years, working as a copy editor, lead designer and, now, targeted publications editor.

I'm starting to find my feet, flourishing if you will (had to get that one out of my system; no more cheesy word plays, I promise), with this job. I look forward to delivering a stellar product while growing our readership. More people need to know about the women we feature in every issue of Flourish -- they're amazing. This month's cover model, Malissa Beecham, is an absolute joy, and Lidia Kight, who broke a cycle of poverty and abuse, is truly an inspiration. Read their stories, get to know them and you'll see what I mean.

I hope you enjoy Flourish as much as I enjoyed being part of putting it together.

Heather Collier

Editor

Contact me at 573-388-3631 or hcollier@semissourian.com