Marisa L. Williams

Marisa Williams earned her Master's in Writing from the Johns Hopkins University and her Bachelor of Science emphasizing Forensics from the University of Toledo. A cliff diving accident in 1999 led to her change in career focus, as doctors told her she would never walk again. While in a wheelchair, Williams penned her first novel, and she later proved doctor's wrong and taught herself how to walk again.

In 2002, Williams went to cover Ozzfest for a regional entertainment publication that she was working for at the time. She was pulled on stage by Rob Zombie and was soon offered a job on the tour, being able to travel the United States with amazing rock bands. This solidified her career in travel and entertainment journalism, as she has covered bands across the globe.

While in school for her Master's, Williams interned on Capitol Hill and started her travel and entertainment publication Thorisaz Views. The day before graduation, she was asked to work as a sports writer in Key West, FL, for a season, which opened the doors to her experience in sports writing and photography. She has covered the Heineken Regatta in St. Maarten, the Chicago to Mackinac Race, the 12-Hour Sebring Classic Car Race, ESPN's Shark Week, Key West's Race Week and a number of other sporting events, ranging from basketball and swimming, to hockey and track, interviewing pro-wrestlers like King Kong Bunch and "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan.

Beyond journalism, Williams teaches college in Florida and is a licensed real estate agent in Michigan. She is a jewelry designer, an event planner, and she has done work with interior design in Michigan, Florida, California, and New Orleans.

For more by Marisa Williams, visit www.lulu.com/spotlight/thorisaz, www.thorisazviews.com, www.twitter.com/booksnbling, and www.muckrack.com/marisa.