Writer Andy Murphy is a big fan of atGeist.com. “I’ve written about so many wonderful people,” she said. The stories she has covered over the past 10 years for Tom and Jeanne Britt’s publications will stay with her forever.
“I’m so proud of them, creating community newsletters that haven’t forgotten what people really want to read about,” she said. The insightful, uplifting stories cover people in the community.
The newsletters, headed by a couple not afraid to take risks or make mistakes, are good for their communities, Murphy said.
One inspirational story on the Christmas lights at Reynolds Farm Equipment in Fishers remains part of Murphy’s life. The display on Highway 37 now has 1 million lights and supports a food pantry. It all began with one decorated tractor.
Arline Reynolds was almost 95 years old and died soon after Murphy met her. “I wrote that story and she loved it,” Murphy said. “Now I’m doing a documentary about this wonderful holiday event.”
Murphy, 71, worked in the corporate world and now writes books and runs Writestuff Writers, workshops, and conferences for writers and other creative professionals.
Along the way, she writes for the Britts and previously served as managing editor. The work has been a learning experience. Crafting short pieces taught her to edit and “write better with less.”
Another joy she finds through her work with atGeist.com is closer ties to the community. Murphy enjoys receiving immediate feedback from her readers.
The Britts have become important to the writer and documentary maker. “Tom is like a son to me,” she said. “I never had a daughter, but if I had one, I’d want her to be just like Jeanne.”
