Andre Viljoen

RESUME – Andre Viljoen, freelance writer/ journalist A brief overview of my writing career up to the present 1. Editor | Gateway News February 2011 - Present Founder and editor of Gateway News (gatewaynews.co.za), an online Christian news publication that "Tells the God Stories of Africa” and shares news on national and regional radio stations in South Africa. 2022 winner of prestigious Board Award of Association of Christian Media of South Africa. * I recently resumed offering freelance writing services to help support Gateway News which I publish for passion rather than for profit. Most recently I have done newsletter writing for a medical practice in the US (see newsletter samples on next page), article writing for a business portal in England and creative website copywriting for a US-based travel entrepreneur, Chet Carter of Point Me Abroad (See Chet’s feedback: "Andre did a great job, I would definitely hire him again. He communicates well and is a creative writer." I have the capacity to dedicate 12 hours a week to freelance writing. 2. Copywriter, scriptwriter, co-owner | Media Axis December 1997 - December 2007 Media services agency Media Axis -- advertising, PR, scriptwriting, copywriting, graphic design, web design. Copywriter, Scriptwriter 3. Freelance Copywriter/ scriptwriter August 1989 - November 1997 Wrote copy for advertising and PR agencies, sports marketing organisations (including Key Entermark, Eastern Province Cricket Union, Eastern Province Rugby Union), and many private professionals and businesses. Wrote many corporate and training video scripts (clients included East Cape Training Centre, Gary Cooper Video Productions, Reel Action Pictures, Mike Vincent, Boom Town Advertising). 4. Journalist | South African Morning Newspaper Group December 1976 - July 1989 Full time journalist. My career included postings as group correspondent in Windhoek (Namibia) and group correspondent/bureau chief in Harare (Zimbabwe), and news editor, deputy chief sub-editor on Eastern Province Herald (Port Elizabeth, South Africa). Samples of recent newsletter writing Sample 1 Healthier Body and Mind for Longer with Newcomer C15:0 Dear [Name] As someone who cares about health, you are probably aware of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. However, you may not have heard of C15:0. The reason for this is that C15:0 is the newcomer to the family of essential fatty acids — those wonder nutrients that are vital for physiological health but must be provided as food or supplements because they cannot be synthesized by the body. C15:0, also known as pentadecanoic acid, is the subject of much excitement in medical research. Firstly, because it is the first essential fatty acid to be discovered since omega-3 and omega-6, over 90 years ago. And also because clinical studies show that C15:0 is outperforming its predecessors in wellness benefits, including: ● Reversing aging by slowing down age-related breakdown of cells. ● Boosting brain, mood, cognitive, and sleep health. ● Improving heart, metabolic, immune, joint, and liver health. ● Reducing the risk of various cancers and type-2 diabetes. So, where can you get C15:0? The primary food-based source is whole fat cow’s milk, which contains trace amounts of the nutrient. However, dairy fat also contains high levels of "bad" saturated fats, not to mention that it packs a load of calories! The bioavailability of C15:0 in dairy fat is also relatively poor. Fortunately, C15:0 is now obtainable as a bioavailable pure and safe supplement called fatty15 . The tablets are tasteless, odorless, safe for women, men, and children (from the age of 4), and at a tiny daily dose of 100mg a day, fatty15 offers you an easy way to promote a healthier, younger-feeling you. ● We stock fatty15 at [Name of Medical Practice] [Some pricing info here] Contact our team for more information or to order your requirements. Best regards, [Name of doctor] Sample 2 Need Help With Your New Year Weight-Loss Goal? Dear [Name] Were you one of the 34%* of Americans who ticked “losing weight” for your New Year’s resolution? If you answered YES, and are still motivated to reach your target -- good for you! But wouldn't it be great to have some powerful help to stay the course as the days, weeks and months roll on? Well, I have some encouraging news. It’s about a weight-loss medication called Tirzepatide that is getting way better results than anything I have seen in nearly a decade of helping people with their weight goals. You may have heard of Mounjaro, which has been quite the talk in health circles. Tirzepatide is the generic of Mounjaro. It has been life changing for almost every one of our patients who has taken it. I've had patients who struggled with weight loss most of their lives, who are now at a good weight because of Tirzepatide.Two patients who previously underwent bariatric (weight-loss) surgery but gained back weight. have gotten back to their surgery weight or even lower. Here are some questions and answers to help you better understand the treatment: ● What is the dose? – [Name], my health coach, works closely with you on Tirzepatide to ensure that you get to the optimal dose for weight loss. She also gives you a special diet and you will be relieved to hear the medication makes it easy to follow. ● Are there side effects? – Since we keep a close eye on all patients, there are few side effects and most are manageable with a tweak in the diet or a supplement. None of our patients has had severe complications.The most common side effects are nausea, constipation and heartburn. ● How long is the treatment? – Once you get to your goal weight, you are weaned off the medication. But most patients have opted to stay on a low dose. It's a great reset! ● Will I put on weight if I stop the medication? – None of our patients have regained their weight. Minor fluctuations of a few pounds are expected. You are welcome to contact us if you have any more questions about Tirzepatide. Best regards, [Name of doctor] * Source: Forbes Health