Recommendations For Zinta

Publications Editor III

Health Care - Grand Rapids, MI

"Zinta took a project that was failing and created a masterpiece for compliance geeks. My favorite comment to date has been, 'You made compliance positive.' That is all because of Zinta." ~Client for a code of conduct book, rewritten for a health care organization's use with employees. April 2010

“It was a distinct honor to be able to work on a project with Zinta. Not only did she come to every meeting prepared, she gave amazing ideas that we would not have otherwise thought of. What astounded me the most was that she took the initiative to completely immerse herself into this project by attending the current training to gain a better understanding of the project [of rewriting orientation materials]. No one has ever done that before, and I believe it proves not only what a top notch employee she is, but also her true character as a person. I look forward to having the opportunity to work with Zinta again.” April 13, 2010

Lisa Organek, Training Specialist, Spectrum Health

“Zinta Aistars edits as she writes, writes as she edits – with kid gloves stiffened by wisdom. Whether spinning an original subject on her lexical wheel or polishing work contributed by others, the hand is firm, resilient, the touch is fine. We have quibbled over commas and author’s intent. This author is definitively not dead. Words matter. Meaning matters more. She filters literary heft through a fine seine of expectation, plying deep reservoirs of experience for her catch. The ones she keeps are trophies; those she throws back are chum, period. One noteworthy keeper was a corporate leviathan Z landed on light tackle: A ponderous and lawyerly Company Code of Excellence tugged at Zinta’s line. In prime time, she worked the text and made it meaningful. Human. Pivotal. And it wasn’t even close to her finest work. Thump. Zinta is a writer’s writer, an editor's editor. No artist, no teacher, shapes her clay with a firmer grip, a gentler touch. Love rumbles far below the tectonic plates, erupts in family snapshots, bubbles in a pot of history that simmers on a bed of coals. She yearns for what was to be what might have been, yet finds truth in what is. Who else could find poetry in a leaky roof and leave the driest reader not entirely convinced he doesn’t see a bit of moisture seeping around his windows? That is the poet. That is Zinta.” November 25, 2009

Rick VanGrouw, Writer/Editor, Spectrum Health
worked directly with Zinta

“Zinta's writing skills have been a great asset in developng materials that clearly and concisely explain the purpose of programs at Spectrum Health. Her professional demeanor and attention to detail and deadlines makes her a reliable and talented colleague.” January 18, 2009

Eileen Paull, Marketing Communications Consultant, Spectrum Health
- Grand Rapids

“Zinta is a talented writer with a tremendous knowledge of life. She sees the nuances that make living so interesting, and yet are often overlooked by others. Zinta is kind, grounded and interested in the bigger picture.” September 28, 2008

Lisa (Elizabeth) Taylor, Marketing Consultant

“I consider Zinta Aistars to be one of the most talented writers I know, her ability and style is a gift. In and out of the corporate environment, I have been moved by her clear and vivid writings. The compositions she's penned are brilliant, and I am thankful for the opportunity to be exposed to her awesome skill.” August 13, 2008

Ta-Tanisha Thomas, Communications Coordinator I, 
worked with Zinta, Grand Rapids

“It has been a real pleasure getting to know Zinta both professionally and personally. Her quiet, thoughtful approach is enhanced by a great sense of humor and obvious zest for life. She shows a keen interest in expanding her knowledge across many areas of interest--an asset if not a necessity to good writing. Mostly, Zinta's work is the truest indication of the joy and pride she takes in her personal and professional love of the written word.” June 11, 2008

Susan Walter, Publications Editor III, 
worked directly with Zinta, Grand Rapids

“I have worked with few writers as flexible and willing as Zinta. Our professional collaborations have immersed us in areas of new, unfamiliar subject matter where it was necessary to mine content, and subsequently, lay product/service positioning. In all cases, Zinta's creative solutions have been spot-on and intelligent. I truly enjoy our working relationship.” December 26, 2007

Robin Renzenbrink, Sr. Marketer, 
worked with Zinta, Grand Rapids

Editor-in-Chief, The Smoking Poet

The Smoking Poet (Literary Ezine)

“Zinta is a fabulous, detail-oriented editor of a top-notch literary magazine. As a fellow editor and an interviewee of Zinta's, I have been highly impressed with the quality of her work.” November 24, 2009

Shaindel Beers, Poetry Editor, Contrary Magazine
worked with Zinta at The Smoking Poet (Literary Ezine)

 

“Working with Zinta Aistars as one's editor, reviewer, or preferred author is a tremendously satisfying experience. Before I had the honor of counting her among my editors, she was more a writer whose stories, articles, and poetry I eagerly consumed on AuthorsDen every time she chose to share them. I later realized she was quite a bit more than one of my personal favorite authors and enjoyed the opportunity to both work with her as my editor when my work was featured in the SMOKING POET eZine and to benefit from her superior PR skills as she promoted the eZine, and, later reviewed by book ELEMENTAL, The Power of Illuminated Love. She is a living model of literary, editorial, and PR five-star excellence whose talents have won her many admirers, of which I am only one. Aberjhani author of Encyclopedia of the Harlem Renaissance (FOF) and The American Poet Who Went Home Again” March 5, 2009

Aberjhani Author-Poet-Editor, Author, AuthorsDen
worked directly with Zinta at The Smoking Poet (Literary Ezine)

“Zinta is organized, resourceful, energetic, committed. courteous and kind, and she loves what she does. She has been a dream to work with and I look forward to future opportunities.” August 19, 2008

Dorianne Laux, Poet/Professor, Innisfree, Inc.
was with another company when working with Zinta at The Smoking Poet (Literary Ezine)

“I highly recommend Zinta Aistars as a savvy, hardworking magazine editor. The interview she did with me for The Smoking Poet was outstanding - Zinta has real talent as an editor aware of what makes authors tick. Any author would be lucky to be interviewed by her, and any magazine would be lucky to have her.” August 15, 2008

Paul Levinson, author (science fiction), Tor Books
was with another company when working with Zinta at The Smoking Poet (Literary Ezine)

“Zinta accepted three of my poems for publication with this note: "Sarah, your poetry is literary joy!" Needless to say, I took to her. But what so greatly impressed me was her attention to detail in launching the issue. There were the usual small but harrowing glitches in the mock-up; she took great care in correcting dashes and spacing--the vocabulary of a poem. She was uncomplaining about this tedious part of publishing. Zinta is an editor who responds to and respects writers.” July 27, 2008

Sarah Sarai‏, poet and writer, my laptop
worked directly with Zinta at The Smoking Poet (Literary Ezine)

“A few years ago Zinta had a dream – a literary e-zine. About 18 months ago she made it a reality. I’ve had the privilege of working as fiction editor for The Smoking Poet and have watched it evolve into one of the finest literary e-zines on the Web. Poetry, fiction, non-fiction, featured writers, and book reviews all combine to make a highly readable and enjoyable magazine whose readership continues to grow month-by-month. I just hope it won’t get in the way of her own creative writing!” April 30, 2008

J. Conrad Guest, Freelance Writer/Editor, Self-employed
worked directly with Zinta at The Smoking Poet (Literary Ezine)

Freelance Writer & Editor

“I met Zinta in 2008 and since then have regularly enjoyed her articles, poems, stories & reviews from her website, blog and The Smoking Poet on-line magazine. Zinta is a wonderfully descriptive writer with a beautiful grasp of language & words. Her evocation of places and experiences is extraordinary and I relish reading each new piece of writing she creates.” February 12, 2010

Top qualities: Expert, High Integrity, Creative

Astrid Reed (Ann Arbor Art Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan)
hired Zinta as a Writer/Editor

“Zinta's ability to capture the hearts and minds with the written word is inspiring. Whether taking a high-tech or high-touch approach, she is able to both entertain and educate. Her words are powerful and extremely well-chosen.” November 25, 2009

Richard Evans, Asylum Lake - a novel of suspsense, Author
worked directly with Zinta at Spectrum Health, for Zinta at The Smoking Poet, and as a freelancer

“It was a wonderful experience to have someone directly participate in and then later report on part of my AmeriCorps experience. Zinta is a compelling journalist who works hard to support honorable causes through her writing.” July 20, 2008

Lorena Audra Rutens, MSW, Corps Member, AmeriCorps National Community Civilian Corps
worked with Zinta

“I have asked Zinta to edit my work on numerous occasions. Her edits and additions have been outstanding and added a creative flair that I would never have been able to create on my own. I recommend her without any reservations.” May 20, 2008

Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, Creative

Lorena Audra Rutens, MSW
hired Zinta as a Writer/Editor in 1998, and hired Zinta more than once

“Ms. Aistars has a very stirring style of writing. Her work is inspirational and thought provoking. Her knowledge and use of both the English and Latvian languages in her works conveys clarity and a breadth of expression.” January 30, 2008

Dzintars Gendrikovs, Software Engineer, Smiths Aerospace
worked with Zinta at Self-employed

“My experience with Zinta Aistars as a writer, editor, and individual has proven her to be both inspired and inspiring. Zinta is an incredibly prolific writer and the quality of her work is consistently concise, clear, and empassioned; she is not afraid to tell the truth as she sees it. Further, more than just committed to her profession, when Zinta writes, she is honoring a true talent!” January 29, 2008

Jeannie Sanders, media assistant, kalamazoo college
worked with Zinta at Self-employed

“Beyond her very capable wordsmithing ability, it is Zinta's passion for her work that shines through each well-crafted piece. Her review of my book (Midwest Book Review) is a gratis piece of love. A modern writer with old world values and discipline, I am most fortunate to have been a beneficiary of her penetrating comprehension and skillful ability to convey her thoughts and ideas to my readers.” July 18, 2006

Jane Cunningham, Self-employed
worked with Zinta at Self-employed

Writer & Editor/Communications Specialist

Kalamazoo College

"What a partner Zinta was in the work of communicating the value of a Kalamazoo College education! Zinta is a careful and compelling writer, a creative thinker regarding effective communication strategies, and a skillful media relations manager. She knows a great communicator must be a great listener. She as a conductor's ear regarding the resonance of messages to particular audiences, and she uses this gift to ensure measurable results of communication--in knowledge, emotion, and action. What a great teammate!” June 9, 2009

Jim Van Sweden , Director of Communication, Academic Advisor, Alumnus , Kalamazoo College
managed Zinta at Kalamazoo College

“Working with Zinta was a pleasure. She is quietly insightful and a consumate professional. While widely recognized for her writing, she is equally skilled in her work with the media and as a spokesperson. Her interpersonal skills and her ability to draw a speaker out are real assets. Quite simply, she's very, very good!” October 30, 2008

Angela Graham, Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations, Kalamazoo College
worked directly with Zinta at Kalamazoo College

“Zinta is a top-shelf writer and a highly professional colleague.” February 28, 2008

Richard T. Berman, Dean of Experiential Education, Kalamazoo College
worked with Zinta at Kalamazoo College

“I had the pleasure of working with Zinta during my time at Kalamazoo College and in starting my consulting business. Her attention to detail along with her ability to craft words and language into a compelling message greatly enhanced my promotional materials. In addition to her professional skills she is an intriguing, interesting person to work with and share ideas.” January 30, 2008

Mark Mueller, Director, Enrichment & Professional Development Programs, L. Lee Stryker Center, Kalamazoo College
worked with Zinta at Kalamazoo College

“Zinta was extremely thoughtful about her work at Kalamazoo College. I saw Zinta as someone who very quietly went about her work and went above and beyond the call of duty as she performed each task. Zinta was highly respected by all of her colleagues and her commitment to Kalamazoo College was greatly appreciated by each of us!” January 29, 2008

Kim Aldrich, Director of Alumni Relations, Kalamazoo College
worked with Zinta at Kalamazoo College

“Zinta is a thoughtful and engaging writer. Her articles helped us to maintain a strong connection with our alumni and friends. We often heard that Zinta's work inspired alumni to read the publication cover-to-cover, helping them to keep current with news and events at their alma mater.” January 28, 2008

Heather Jach, Major Gift Officer, Kalamazoo College
worked with Zinta at Kalamazoo College

“Zinta's powerful, creative energy is channeled into her writing--both via intricate and engaging poems or resonant profiles. It is a great honor to call her a colleague in poetry and within the university communications realm.” March 30, 2007

Lina R. Sawyer, Senior Writer, Northwestern University: Office Of Alumni Relations & Development
worked with Zinta at Kalamazoo College

“During my time in the news business, and after, I have found Zinta to be efficient, friendly and always helpful, especially whenever I had questions or story ideas. She was able to connect me with people at Kalamazoo College who were experts on current events, and kept me informed regularly of other events and news items. I have enjoyed working with her!” August 8, 2006

Laura Lehman, News Director, Fairfield Broadcasting
was with another company when working with Zinta at Kalamazoo College

“Zinta gets the job done and gets it done with great creativity, smarts and perception. You can't go wrong with Zinta on your team!” June 22, 2006

Tom Breznau, executive director, kalamazoo college
worked with Zinta at Kalamazoo College

“"I enjoy working with Zinta. She has been most instrumental helping me getting the press out for the Theatre Arts Dept. Zinta is the utmost professional. She is always right there with the right word or phrase. She knows just how to shine the lights on Kalamazoo College!"” June 8, 2006

Mary Vowell, Theatre Arts Administrator, Kalamazoo College
worked with Zinta at Kalamazoo College

“As a writer for Lux Esto, the K-college alumni magazine, Zinta wrote a piece about me as I am a '78 grad. It was a wonderful piece and people have called me about it ever since it came out. She writes beautifully and captured the salient points about my story that would be important to her readers. Her story inspired me to write my whole story which is now a book I am trying to get published.” June 5, 2006

Jothy Rosenberg, VP Software, Ambric
was with another company when working with Zinta at Kalamazoo College

Publisher & Editor

Zeenythe Communications

“Zinta is an avid writer for both fun and profit. She brought an atmosphere of professionalism to the Kalamazoo Writers' Group. Zinta is an accomplished promoter and freely gave of that skill to help expand the presence of the Kalamazoo Writers' Group.” August 17, 2008

Christopher Gidman, Host, Kalamazoo Writers' Group
worked directly with Zinta at Zeenythe Communications

Sales Service Representative & Customer Service Correspondent

Borroughs Corporation, Parchment, Michigan

“I worked with Zinta while we were both employees at the Borroughs Corp. She is highly competent, conscientious, thorough and has an outstanding work-ethic, not to mention an excellent artist and can paint beautiful word-scapes with the English and Latvian languages.” July 19, 2006

Don Lavender, Product Engineer, Landscape Forms, Inc.
worked directly with Zinta at Borroughs Corporation, Parchment, Michigan