The preservation of memories, narratives, and family history is why I'm here.

I help writers find the heart of the story, whether it's in a messy draft of a memoir or yet to be discovered in a keepsake box of photographs and letters.

I preserve public and family history through in-depth research,

documentation, and the digitization of memories.

I help small business owners get their companies launched

through writing and editing services.

I volunteer my time to public history research and preservation,

and I lose myself in family history storytelling.

This is who I am.

This is what I've done:

Experience

I've spent over twenty years coaching people in different skills, I've done writing and editing for literary journals, and my work has been published in places like Burrow Press Review, Prick of the Spindle, the Tampa Bay Times, and others. I have more than seven years of combined research experience and I volunteer regularly in efforts to preserve family and public history through writing and the digitization of photographs, documents, memorabilia, etc. I have an English degree and a Masters in creative writing.

Research Projects

Zion Cemetery Descendant Search - Researching the genealogical history of those buried in the forgotten Zion Cemetery in Tampa, Florida.

Secret Boxes: A Legacy Project - Researching the lifelong effects of abandonment on family relationships through several generations.

Burgert Brothers Photography Project - Identified and preserved historical prints of the Tampa Bay area for the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative.

Dion Boucicault Theatre Collection - Transcribed and researched the works of 19th century playwright Dion Boucicault for the University of South Florida’s Special Collections department.

Seminars

Inside the Literary Journal: On being rejected, the maybe pile, and immediate acceptance:

A literary journal editor's process and what we focus on when deciding on a submission.

Creative Writing Research: Beyond just the facts:

Techniques in data collection, organization, and processing information for creative writers.

Associations

Editorial Freelancer's Association (EFA)

Florida Genealogical Society (FGS)

Florida Bibliophile Society (FBS)

Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP)

National Association of Memoir Writers (NAMW)

Vicki Entreken

Editor, Writer, Researcher

Testimonials

I have been working with Vicki for over two years. When we first began sharing work, my stories were rushed, disorganized, and full of summary. Vicki has helped me clearly define my scenes, focus my themes, and play with structure and form. While many of my first pieces were too rough to ever see the light of day, I now have five nonfiction pieces that have been either published or accepted for publication. Vicki has helped me feel comfortable crafting an arc in a nonfiction piece and has helped me inject my true voice into my stories. Her tough love has pushed me to better myself as a nonfiction writer. I'm incredibly thankful for her patience and persistence.

- Chelsea Catherine, Author of Blindsided and Summer of the Cicadas

I believe the story is stronger thanks to Vicki Entreken's careful consideration of plot and characters and useful editorial feedback.

- Christy Perry Tuohey, Author of Panther Mountain: Caroline's Story and Panther Mountain: Lydia's Story

Vicki Entreken has been an outstanding coach and editor. She helped me focus on the purpose of my book and on better development of scenes and characters. Vicki also helped make the dialogue more realistic. I will always be grateful for her work on my behalf.

- John Swisher, Author of Stolen Five Times, Two Paths Crossing: Then and Now, and The Price of Freedom in 1848

This is what I've done:

Testimonials

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