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Boreal Community Media

Meet your Boreal Community Media Freelance Journalist: Maddy Marquardt

Mar 05, 2023 05:39AM ● By Editor
Submitted photos

A Boreal Community Media Exclusive - March 5, 2023

Did your passion for writing develop early in your life?  
I didn’t really get into writing in high school, when my English teacher had us all keep a journal over the summer. I wasn’t a writer early, but I always loved telling stories. Once I learned how to write it became a really natural fit for storytelling.

Who inspired you to pursue freelance writing?
No one specifically inspired me to pursue freelance writing, and I actually sort of fell into it. In undergraduate I studied neuroscience and by my junior year realized I wasn’t super happy and didn’t want a career in a lab, so I added an additional major in Digital and Technical Writing. After college I served in the US Peace Corps in Armenia as an English Teacher, and it wasn’t until I came back to the United States that I started freelancing.

What are a few of your favorite stories that you have written about in the past?
I used to work as a sea kayaking guide in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore on the South Shore, and the unique geology, human history, and recreation opportunities of the area are by far some of my favorite things to write about. I’ve participated in quite a few stories on the region, both as a writer, photographer, and a guide. I love any chance to share about that region or about paddling on Lake Superior.

What are some of your favorite spots along the North Shore?
I have so many favorite spots along the North Shore! I love to sea kayak the caves around Tettegouche or the stretch of shoreline north of there. The Superior Hiking Trail between Silver Bay and Lutsen is probably one of my favorite place to hike, both backpacking and day hiking. Personally though, if I could only do thing on the North Shore for the rest of my life, I would backpack the Border Route Trail in the BWCA.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Last summer I spent a few months sea kayaking in British Columbia and it was incredible. We paddled with orcas, and humpback whales, and camped with friendly bears. The fjords were beautiful, with waterfalls straight into the ocean. In three months, we explored such a small section of a very intricate coastline and I can’t wait to go back one day and spend another summer exploring the BC Coast. 

What is the best advice that you were ever given and by whom?
This isn’t advice in the literal sense, but growing up I always watched my dad let most things roll off him. He never takes anything personally, and is very rarely offended. He has this really great way of just deciding things aren’t about him– if he’s rejected for something, it’s just because someone else was a better fit. I’ve worked really hard to apply that philosophy to my life and have been a lot happier and more willing to put myself out there for it.


Follow this link for Maddy's first article submission and second submission to Boreal Community Media.  



 


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