See the New Stuff

6/25/08: New restaurant review of Sushi Ten in Chino Hills, CA and new movie review of He Was a Quiet Man.


6/15/08: New movie review of The Happening.


6/7/08: New movie review of El Orfanato (The Orphanage).


6/2/08: New movie review of Redbelt.


5/17/08: New movie review of Deep Impact and The Day After Tomorrow. Also new restaurant review of Villa Amalfi in Corona, CA.


5/10/08: New movie review of Day of the Dead (2008).


5/06/08: New movie review of Iron Man.


5/05/08: New restaurant review of Amata Asian in San Bernardino, CA.


4/27/08: New movie review of The Forbidden Kingdom.


4/27/08: New movie review of Ladyhawke.


4/26/08: New movie review of Death Sentence and In the Name of the King.


Summary of Qualifications

I have been a freelance writer for four years, writing for regional publications in Southern California, reviewing films, restaurants and conducting interviews. I am currently a professional copywriter, specializing in Search Engine Optimization and marketing. I work quickly, prolifically and well without supervision.

Core Competencies

Collaboration: My experience in a busy marketing department has made me an excellent facilitator, making sure that all ideas and views are considered throughout the group creative process.

Productivity: I am accustomed to working under tight deadlines, doing everything within reason to meet them. I work fast and turn in my copy with time for edits, deadline permitting.

Versatility: If there is a task that needs to be done and no one more qualified is available to complete it, I will take the initiative to learn the skills to finish the job, even if it is outside of my job description. Recently, I taught myself the rudiments of SQL to assist with database updating.

Skills

• Writing: 75 WPM, MS Word, Final Draft, AP Style, Copywriting, Copy Editing, Screenwriting, Play Writing, Branding & Marketing

Professional History

Cal Spas, Pomona, CA 2007 - Present

Copywriter

My regular duties include writing copy for flyers and other marketing collateral, including brochures, newsletters and press releases. I am also responsible for maintaining the copy on the Cal Spas Web site, writing with SEO in mind. My irregular duties have included Web design, managing talent for tradeshows and editing scripts for video shoots.

944 Magazine, Newport Beach, CA 2007 - Present

Freelance Writer

From time to time, I pitch article ideas that I think will fit with the publication’s brand of Orange County lifestyle. Pitches can range from live comedy troupes to meditation, depending on the issue. If the article is approved, I will write anywhere from 500 to 1000 words on the idea.

Inland Empire Weekly, Corona, CA 2007 - Present

Freelance Writer

I am one of the few restaurant reviewers for the magazine. Typically, I will scout a location and pitch it to my editor. If it is approved, I will write a 500 to 750 word review. Occasionally, a restaurant will invite the publication to review it and my editor will usually send me.

InfoSearch Media, Marina del Rey, CA 2006 - 2007

Web Copywriter

I wrote Web copy for a number of domestic and international Web sites, focusing on SEO. Due to my writing and productivity, I was considered for special assignments.

Valley Scene Magazine, West Hills, CA 2004 - 2006

Freelance Writer

Due to the publication’s entertainment industry focus, I covered junkets, film screenings and roundtable interviews. I also reviewed restaurants and stage performances. Word counts would range from 500 to 1000 per article.

WebVisible, Irvine, CA 2006 - 2006

Web Copywriter

Created keyword phrases and marketing blurbs for domestic Web sites to increase page rankings.

In the Scene Magazine, Redondo Beach, CA 2005 - 2006

Freelance Writer

I focused solely on restaurant reviews around Los Angeles County, covering mainly fine dining establishments. Word counts ranged from 500 to 1000 words.

SWITCH Magazine, Los Angeles, CA 2004 - 2005

Freelance Writer

I interviewed celebrities and reviewed bars for this entertainment and fashion magazine.

Education

B.A., Creative Writing 2004

University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA

Publications

“Spaggi’s Review.” Inland Empire Weekly. Southland Publishing, January 2008. An in-depth and fair review of a purportedly fine dining establishment in Upland, CA.

“30 Days of Night Review.” The Big Movie Review. http://www.tbmr.co.uk, February 2008. A review of the film 30 Days of Night.

“Laugh Your Ass Off.” 944 Magazine (Orange County). 944 Media, January 2007. Review of the improv comedy troupe The Fornicators of Comedy.

 

About the Author

René Garcia, Jr. is a professional writer living and working in Southern California. He has been published in a handful of regional and national publications, including bello, Valley Scene, Inland Empire Weekly and 944 (Orange County). René is currently the copywriter for Cal Spas in Pomona, Calif. In his spare time, he maintains this site. It contains his published, college and personal work. Enjoy your stay and come back often.

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