Samantha Finley

Some people stumble into writing careers by accident. For Madelyn Gardner, writing was always the plan.

Long before content calendars, SEO strategies and client deliverables entered the picture, there were neighborhood newspapers she created in Microsoft PowerPoint as a kid. I call that boots-on-the-ground journalism — junior edition.

Fast-forward to today, and Madelyn is a senior writer and a key member of the Brafton editorial team (and yes, that’s a firsthand endorsement). These days, she spends her time doing what younger versions of herself could only imagine: collaborating with talented creatives and helping some of the world’s biggest brands tell better stories.

Turns out those early newspapers were onto something.

When Writing Dreams Found a Different Shape

Like many aspiring writers, Madelyn originally thought there was only one way to turn a love of words into a career: become an author. The only problem? “I don’t have the patience to actually sit down and write multiple chapters,” she laughs.

Luckily, her time at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln helped her see that there were other ways to build a writing career. Madelyn pursued a double major in Journalism and Advertising & Public Relations, and somewhere between assignments and discovering the broader world of professional writing, things started to click. 

“I felt like I finally found the pathway I was meant to take,” she says. And that blend of storytelling and strategy would go on to define her career.

Learning the Ropes as a One-Person Writing Team

Madelyn’s first role was at a small startup agency as the solo copywriter. Blog posts, website copy, social campaigns, messaging strategy — if it involved words, chances are Madelyn had her hands on it.

For a new writer, it was a crash course in everything from SEO and UX writing to juggling priorities. “It trained me to be really on top of my workload and communicate with the other employees about expectations and questions,” she explains. 

After about a year and a half of wearing more hats than most early-career writers could imagine, a new chapter arrived: a move from Nebraska to Nashville and the search for a new opportunity.

The Role She Wasn’t Looking For (But Glad She Found)

So, how did Madelyn find Brafton, exactly? Like many team members, it started with a LinkedIn search. At the time, though, remote work wasn’t the goal. Moving to Nashville meant starting fresh, and she was initially focused on in-person or hybrid roles. “I really wanted to meet people in my new city,” she says.

Then Brafton came into the picture. The role stood out right away, and after learning more about the company and team, it became hard to ignore. As she puts it, “It just ended up being the right fit for me.”

Since joining Brafton as a Content Writer in 2022, her view of remote work has changed completely: “Now, I never want to work in an office again!”

Every Day Is a Different Kind of Writing Workout for Madelyn

Madelyn quickly immersed herself in Brafton agency life, and, within a year, she was promoted to Senior Writer — not bad for someone who once thought professional writing only happened inside novels.

The work is always changing, which means the learning never really stops, and that’s exactly what she enjoys most. One day might involve diving into a highly technical industry — the next, shifting gears entirely to understand a new audience or business challenge. 

“Every day feels like an opportunity to discover new tips and tricks to improve my writing and communication skills, which I feel makes me a better person overall,” she says.

She also adds, “Getting to write for some big-name brands is such a privilege, and I’ve learned so much from working alongside so many incredibly talented writers and editors.” That growth is paired with something equally important: stability. “I enjoy that every day looks a little different, without being completely unpredictable,” Madelyn explains.

For a writer who likes knowing what her day will look like while still being challenged, her time at Brafton has been the best of both worlds!

Where “Work From Home” Still Feels Like a Team Sport

One of the biggest surprises of Madelyn’s experience at Brafton has been just how connected a remote team can feel. “The Brafton team is really good at ensuring I feel part of the larger team,” she says. Collaboration feels natural, and “everyone is super responsive and eager to lend a hand — or just chat.”

She also points to Brafton’s strong emphasis on work-life balance as one of its biggest strengths. “I feel so supported both during work and while logged off,” she says. In agency life, that makes a real difference.

Outside the Inbox: Books, Trails and Cozy Energy

When she’s not writing, Madelyn keeps a full (and very cozy) schedule. Reading sits at the top of the list. “If I could read for a living, it’d be my dream job,” she says. And yes, book recommendations are always welcome.

She also leans into what she calls her “grandma hobbies,” which naturally include baking, knitting and spending time on her porch. Right now, she’s knitting a sweater for her brother (proof that patience exists when yarn is involved, even if it’s still a work in progress when it comes to writing novels).

When she’s in the mood to get outside, she’s usually hiking — taking full advantage of living within driving distance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Her long-term goal? Visit as many national parks as possible, starting with Acadia National Park.

Oh, and one final fun fact while we’re here: She can sing every lyric of Taylor Swift’s “All Too Well (10 Minute Version)” from start to finish. Whether or not that’s performed tear-free remains unconfirmed.

And She’s Still Writing the Story

Madelyn’s journey over the years has always had one constant: writing. What started as a childhood hobby became a degree, then a career — and eventually led her to Brafton, where she continues to sharpen her craft and take on new challenges every day. It’s a path that’s taken her far beyond those early WordArt headlines.

Although if neighborhood newspapers ever make a comeback, we know exactly whom to call.

And we’ll probably remember it all too well.