Editor’s Note:
Our Terakeet team is filled with talented, thoughtful individuals who are passionate about leading their teams and clients towards success. Content Manager Anne Holub is a perfect example of one such leader. When she’s not managing a team of driven content writers, Anne is able to enjoy outdoor adventures and write creatively from her home in Montana. Read on to learn more about what makes Anne a valued member of Terakeet’s content team.
How did you come to work at Terakeet? What is your favorite part about working here?
I was a full-time freelancer at the time, and I heard about Terakeet on a writer job group on Facebook! It was in July 2020 and I couldn’t believe that after such a terrible spring, I was going to be looking at full-time work again.
There was so much to get excited about: SEO writing for humans, great dedication to employees, a real sense of growth opportunities within the departments, and yes, a remote-friendly workplace. As someone based in one of the most remote states – that trust and infrastructure meant a lot to me.
Tell us a little more about you outside of work! What’s one thing most people wouldn’t know about you?
Some of my coworkers know I’m a creative writer outside of work – I have an MA and MFA in poetry – but not everyone knows that I recently had my first poetry chapbook accepted for publication (due out March 2023, Finishing Line Press). I also got a really touching accolade this spring, receiving the Runner-Up prize in the 2022 Mountain West Writers’ Contest from the Western Humanities Review (their print award issue is out December 2022).
It’s been great to have more time to work on my creative pursuits with a job that also has a great work-life balance. I can also travel and work from other remote locations. Last summer, I went to Denver and planned a meetup at a coworking spot with some of the ‘Keeters who live in the area. I plan on doing a work-cation a few times in the coming months, to get new inputs and experiences that will feed my writing, and to also meet more co-workers in person!
What’s your current obsession?
It’s summer here in Montana, and that means I’m planting lots of things in the garden. I have 9 raised garden beds with herbs, perennial flowers, and veggies. Last year, my husband Dan and I finished some backbreaking work in our backyard and now I’m putting in lots of native plants that will naturalize areas where we took out nearly 900-square feet of lawn.
I recently helped work on an edible plants-themed garden party for a local nursery and learned a lot about ways you can use flowers, leaves, and infusions from plants in your garden for delicious food. For the next few months, I’ll have a lot of outside time whenever I can grab it. And I’ll take lots of pictures to add to the Slack channels to show my little garden babies’ progress.
Who is someone you look up to, or who inspires you, in your life?
I’ve been reading more and more women writers over the last few years – in an effort to make sure that I’m spotlighting female voices in my life. I’m in absolute awe of the power of the recent two-term Poet Laureate of the United States, Joy Harjo. She’s a voice for native peoples, but also for the women in our lives who fight for family and justice.
What’s the coolest thing that’s ever happened to you?
Waking up in a small cabin at Yellowstone Lake in Yellowstone National Park to one of the most unique alarm clocks ever: a male elk bugling right outside our windows. It’s been so hard watching the historic flooding in Montana and the Park over the last week, and I keep remembering the magic I’ve witnessed in those places. That memory is definitely at the top of my list of one of the coolest things ever.
What would your desert island band/artist be?
OOH, that’s possibly the most difficult question to answer. I’m a big music nerd – I used to be the music editor for a Chicago blog and I grew up in a house full of radio DJs and jazz musicians. It’s been hard for the music industry, and those of us who love live music, and I’ve found myself really missing crate diving and seeking out new bands and artists.
I’m currently obsessed with a live Fleetwood Mac album from 1977 when their voices were just liquid gold. I’m also listening to a lot of new work from Sturgill Simpson, anything Lizzo is doing, the Talking Heads’ live recording “The Name of this Band is Talking Heads,” and the reggae legends Black Uhuru. I think if I had to choose just 1 album, it would be anyone’s live recording. If I was stuck on an island, I’d love to imagine myself in that crowd of cheering fans.
What is one thing you’ve tried recently that has helped you stay calm and focused?
One of my first big purchases after joining Terakeet was a Peloton bike, and I adore the supportive nature of all of the instructors. I’ve found myself imagining, as Christine D’Ercole would say, that “hand on your back” full of support when things get hectic. I know my team has my back, and I try to put that energy toward them as well. I’ve even used that phrase with friends out in life as well – I’ve got my hand on your back.
This is a continuation of our “Humans of Terakeet” series. Read the previous posts here:
Humans of Terakeet: Leah Deming
Humans of Terakeet: Stephanie Katz
Humans of Terakeet: Alexus Martin