Cara Siera
Welcome to My Writing Portfolio
August 2019 to Present
Anatomy of Adventure
Cara's own "pet project," Anatomy of Adventure is a blog that covers travel, urban homesteading, international recipes, amazing deals, product reviews, and more.
2019 to Present
Resume Coach
Sample resumes and informative articles.
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October to November 2017
Thai House Group
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Thai House Group manages a number of authentic Thai restaurants in Canada, including the Thai House Restaurant, the Urban Thai Bistro, and the Pink Elephant. Their blog introduces diners to interesting facts about Thai cuisine.
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December 2016 to 2020
Travel Blog Posts for Japan Rail Pass
From cherry blossom festivals to bustling neon cities, Japan is a country known both for exquisite cultural rituals and modern technologies. Experience the land of the rising sun through these artfully crafted, informative blog posts.
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- Best Things to Do in Osaka: 3 Days Itinerary
- Taking the Hokaido Shinkansen With the Japan Rail Pass
- The JR Chuo-Sobu Line: Crossing Tokyo East to West
- Taking the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line in Tokyo
- Akihabara Station and Travel Guide
- Shibuya Station Travel Guide
- Ikebukuro Station Travel Guide
- Shinagawa Station Travel Guide
- Shinjuku Station Travel Guide
- Ueno Station: Access, Lines, and Connections
- Namba Station: Trains, Transfers, and Getting Around
- Shin-Osaka Station: Travel Guide
- Osaka Station City: Trains, Transfers, and Getting Around
- Kyoto Train Station: Getting Around, Transfers, and Train Lines
- 2018 Cherry Blossom Forecast for Japan
- The 7 Best Aquariums in Japan
- Autumn Colors in Japan: 2017 Fall Color Forecast
- Naoshima Travel Guide: Access and What to See
- Ise Shrine Travel Guide: Architecture, Access, and What to See
- Japan Railway Museums: Complete Guide
- Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes: Access With the JR Pass
- Autumn Colors in Japan: 2017 Fall Foliage Forecast
- 10 Best Places to See Autumn Leaves in Japan
- 10 Basic Japanese Phrases for Traveling
- Best Scenic Rides and Train Views in Japan
- Kamakura With the JR Pass: How to Get There and Attractions
- Best Summer Festivals (Matsuri) in Japan
- Fukuoka With the JR Pass: How to Get There and Attractions
- How Much Does It Cost to Go to Japan? Traveling on a Budget
- Koka Ninja Village: Access and What to See
- Nagoya With the JR Pass: Access and Travel Guide
- Best Beaches in Japan for Summer 2017
- Nara With the JR Pass: How to Get There and What to See
- The Limited Express Sonic Train in Kyushu
- Using ATMs in Japan: Locations and Cards Accepted
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan
- When to Visit Japan: the Best times of the Year
​- 10 Magical Gardens You Must Visit in Japan
- Budget Travel and Accommodation in Japan
- Kobe With the JR Pass: Access and Travel Guide
- Rush Hour in Japan Trains and Subway: How to Avoid
- Japan Explorer Pass and Other Flight Discounts
- Shinkansen Gran Class: the Ultimate Luxury Bullet Train
- Golden Week 2017: Dates and Travel Tips
- Best Japanese Beaches You Can Reach by Train
- New Luxury Trains in Japan: Train Suite Shiki-Shima and Twilight Express Mikukaze
- Getting Around Tokyo with the JR Pass: Metro, Trains and More
- The 10 Best Theme and Amusement Parks in Japan
- Riding the JR Thunderbird Express Around Western Japan
- Getting Around Kyoto With the Japan Rail Pass
- How to Use the Local City Bus in Japan
- Riding Japanese Night Trains with the JR Pass: Sunrise Express and More
- Staying in a Ryokan, a Traditional Japanese Guest House
- Takayma and the Japanese Alps: Travel Guide With the JR Pass
- 2017 Cherry Blossom Forecast for Japan
- Transporting Luggage in Japan: Luggage Forwarding and Coin Lockers
- All About Onsens: The Japanese Hot Springs
- Tokyo 2020 Olympics With the Japan Rail Pass
- Osaka Loop Line: Getting Around Osaka With the Japan Rail Pass
- Japanese Etiquette Tips: Do's and Don'ts for International Travelers
- Himeji Castle and City Travel Guide With the JR Pass
- The Future of Japanese Bullet Trains
- Studio Ghibli Museum: Access and Tickets
- The Japanese Maglev: World's Fastest Bullet Train
- Haruka Express: Osaka & Kyoto Airport Transfer With the JR Pass
- Golden Week 2017: Holidays and Travel Tips
- Cherry Blossom Travel: Tips for the 2017 Season
- Miyajima Travel Guide: Access and Getting Around With the JR Pass
- Hiroshima Travel Guide: Access and Getting Around With the Japan Rail Pass
- Japan Joyful Trains: Thematic, Anime, Manga, and Videogame Rides
- Tokyo to Nikko Itinerary: Access and Things to Do
- Riding the Sagano Scenic Railway, Kyoto's Romantic Train
- Best Ekiben on Japanese Train Stations
- Seven Stars Kyushu: Riding the Luxury Train
- Using Japanese IC Cards: PASMO, SUICA, and ICOCA
- Best Cherry Blossom Festivals and Viewing Spots in Japan
- Best Places to See Plum Blossoms in Japan
- And many more!
The following is a collection of writing projects I’ve worked on throughout my career. Each piece is unique in style and content, and represents a distinct moment in my career. Together, they help illustrate my journey as a writer. Indeed, this portfolio represents only a percentage of my work, with several thousand texts released to satisfied clients to date. I hope you enjoy my work, and I invite you to contact me with any questions or inquiries. Learn more about my photography.
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June to Octover 2017
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Bari Life Blog
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Bariatric patients face unique challenges. The following articles compassionately tackle diet, exercise, and other concerns.
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- Low Impact Exercise Options After Bariatric Surgery
- High Protein Dinner Recipes that Are Bariatric Friendly
- Tailgate Recipes for the WLS Community
- The Importance of a Diet Plan After Weight Loss Surgery
- BariLife Protein Powder Recipes
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December 2016 to Present
Tutorials and Articles for Easy Drawing Guides
Do you have a pencil, and eraser, and a piece of paper? If so, you can draw anything using simple lines and shapes. These tutorials cover subjects ranging from lifelike animals to popular cartoon characters. Cara authored the written material for each tutorial.
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- How to Draw a Face
- How to Draw Eyes
- How to Draw a Tulip
- How to Draw a Ladybug
- How to Draw a Volcano
- How to Draw a Brain
- How to Draw a Feather
- How to Draw Clouds
- How to Draw a Diamond
- How to Draw a Snowflake
- How to Draw a Broken Heart
- How to Draw a Turkey
- How to Draw the Sun
- How to Draw a Zebra
- How to Draw Snoopy
- How to Sunflower
- How to Draw a Palm Tree
- How to Draw a Giraffe
- How to Draw an Apple
- How to Draw a Guitar
- How to Draw a Frog
- How to Draw a Penguin
- How to Draw Captain America
- How to Draw a Monster Truck
- How to Draw Minnie Mouse
- How to Draw a Duck
- How to Draw Mermaid Ariel
- How to Draw a Train
- How to Draw Goku
- How to Draw a Bat
- How to Draw Super Mario
- How to Draw a Unicorn
- How to Draw a Cartoon Panda
- How to Draw a Fox
- How to Draw a Cartoon Cow
- How to Draw a Cartoon Revolver
- How to Draw Hello Kitty
- How to Draw an Eagle
- How to Draw Spiderman's Logo
- How to Draw a Bear
- How to Draw a Carton Bear
- How to Draw a Cartoon House
- How to Draw a Fire
- How to Draw Darth Vader
- How to Draw a Cartoon Pig
- How to Draw a Cartoon Girl
- How to Draw a Soccer Ball
- How to Teach Your Child to Draw in 10 Easy Steps
- How to Draw a Tiger Face
- How to Draw a Crown
- How to Draw a Lion
- How to Draw a Cartoon Fish
- How to Draw a Cartoon Wolf
- How to Draw Batman Logo
- How to Draw a Cartoon Shark
- How to Draw My Little Pony Rainbow Dash
- How to Draw a Bird
- How to Draw a Cartoon Tree
- How to Draw a Cobra
- How to Draw a Dinosaur
- How to Draw a Cartoon Snake
- How to Draw a Rat
- How to Draw Pikachu
- How to Draw a Raven
- How to Draw a Mouse
- How to Draw a Heart
-How to Draw a Simple Rose
- How to Draw a Sunflower
- How to Draw Bob the Minion
- How to Draw a Minecraft Creeper
- How to Draw the Superman Logo
- How to Draw Elsa
- How to Draw a Rose
- How to Draw a Cartoon Car
- How to Draw a Lily
- How to Draw Spongebob
- How to Draw Charizard
- How to Draw Sonic
- How to Draw a Wolf
- How to Draw Flowers
- How to Draw a Tiger
- How to Draw a Star
- How to Draw a Teddy Bear With a Heart
- How to Draw a Koi Fish
- How to Draw a Lotus Flower
- How to Draw a Bow Tie
- How to Draw Winter Scenery
- How to Draw a Compass
- How to Draw a Dandelion
- How to Draw a Pot of Gold
- How to Draw a Camera
- How to Draw a Jellyfish
- How to Draw a Phoenix
- How to Draw a Sheep
- How to Draw a Bike
- How to Draw a Ship
- How to Draw a Pocket Watch
- How to Draw a Light Bulb
- How to Draw a Lighthouse
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And many more...
April 2016 to Present
TripAdvisor Travel Reviews
Once known as the Honest Traveler, Cara specializes in reviews that capture all aspects of a restaurant, accommodation, or attractions - the good, the bad, and often the humorous. Cara is ranked in the top 10 percent of reviewers in the greater Nashville area.
April 2017 to Present
Menus & Brochures
Menus created for small businesses such as For the Love of Cheesecake, Coffee Break N Cheesecake, and the Essex Street Inn.
January 25, 2017
Easy Gourmet Dishes You Can Prepare at Home
"Whether you’re feeding the family, preparing for a date, or simply pampering yourself, good food is an essential ingredient. You don’t have to visit a 5-star restaurant in order find gourmet eats, either. Consider these simple gourmet recipes that you can prepare at home."
January 1, 2017
"What You Need to Know!" Urban Gardening Article for Treehouse Brokerage and Developement
"What Is Urban Gardening?
Urban gardening is just what its name suggests – gardening in the city. It utilizes rooftops, vacant lots, flower beds, and patio containers to grow plants for food and aesthetics. Sometimes urban gardeners even venture into beekeeping, growing edible mushrooms, and indoor hydroponics."
December 22, 2016
Finding Harmony With the Dog in Your Life
"You couldn’t resist – the puppy was ever so cute. You brought him home, and now you are at a crossroads. You have invited a canine into your life, and he will become either a beloved companion or a cause of frustration. The choice is yours." This informative article was written for Pet Peeves LLC.
December 19, 2016
When Is It Too Cold For Your Dog?
This article for Pet Peeves LLC examines how most pet owners understand the dangers of summer heat – dehydration, overheating, and parked cars. Some are not aware, however, that equally hazardous conditions exist during the cooler months as well. What dangers lurk in the snow, and what warning signs should you look for?
June, 2023
Book Reviews for Creative Nonfiction's Brevity
A thousand fractured monuments litter Egypt’s Valley of the Kings. Still they speak, despite abuses from tomb robbers, image-erasing successive kings, and ravages of time. Kara Cooney uses the mortar of experience and imagination to repair the fragmented story of one of ancient Egypt’s few female monarchs in The Woman Who Would Be King: Hatshepsut’s Rise to Power in Ancient Egypt.
2012
Life Is Stranger at Worthington High
High school is tough. It's even tougher when the whole world goes haywire. Fourteen-year-old Joy Preston has finally found her niche at a new school--fun, friends, and a new crush. But in a moment, everything changes. Disaster at a pool party is just the beginning. Aberrant creatures and the disappearance of her father lead Joy to discover that two of the people she cares about most hold a dangerous secret, one she is soon caught up in. An adventure at the border of two worlds leads Joy to discover first love, true friendship, and the bitterness of betrayal.
October 2011 to April 2012
Book Reviews: Creative Nonfiction's Brevity
What science lies behind your uncanny attraction to your partner's lips? Are the shy going to take over the world? Find the answers to these zany questions in book reviews of Susan Cain's Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking and Sheril Kirshenbaum's The Science of Kissing: What Our Lips Are Telling Us.
