The Lake Writer – Andie Gibson

About Me

I’m an enthusiastic professional with more than 25 years of experience writing and editing for regional magazines and award-winning newspapers with statewide distribution. In addition to freelance writing, editing, content development and project management, I edit and proofread books on a freelance basis.

Career Highlights

Editor | Smith Mountain Laker Magazine (2000-2015) – Responsible for editorial content of 20,000-circulation, bimonthly lifestyle magazine at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia. Generated story ideas, wrote feature stories, edited copy, proofed pages, supervised design and managed freelance writers and photographers.

Special Sections Editor | The Roanoke (Va.) Times (2011-2015) – Supervised content, design and production for 12 niche publications covering topics related to home and garden, senior living, real estate, lake lifestyle, outdoor adventure, history, agribusiness, travel and tourism.

Managing Partner | AirportParkingHelper.com (2015-present) – I manage content and social media for AirportParkingHelper.com, a website dedicated to helping travelers save money on airport parking expenses. We share multiple airport parking savings strategies for more than 130 U.S. and Canadian airports.

Co-Owner | TeacherFanatics.com and HappyPlaceHub.com (2018-present) – Along with partner Jennifer Church, I operate two e-commerce websites.

Check out my LinkedIn profile for more career details and accomplishments. To see samples of my work, please visit my digital portfolio.

Fun Stuff

I grew up an Army brat, moving nine times in 15 years. My family landed at Fort Riley, outside of Manhattan, Kansas (home of Kansas State), for my last two years of high school. Upon graduation, I defected to attend the University of Kansas (rock chalk!) where I earned a B.S. in Journalism in 1992.

My parents semi-retired to Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia, when I was a junior in college. While visiting them over Christmas break my senior year, my mom introduced me to Chris Gibson, my love ever since. After graduating, I was offered my first real job as a sports copy editor at The Roanoke Times. I packed my bags and moved to nearby Smith Mountain Lake. Chris and I were married in 1995 and our son, Ben, was born on New Year’s Eve 1999 (remember that whole Y2K thing? Yeah, that was us.)

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, traveling, playing golf and hanging out on Smith Mountain Lake. Other things that make me happy include coffee, wine, craft beer, cooking, eating, magazines, NPR, Ted Talks and all things Jayhawk sports.