What is 9th Avenue and who is Char Diehm?

Hi, I'm Char Diehm. Ninth Avenue Solutions is a companion to my graphic design site, Illuminated Designs. Here is where my editorial assistant services are the focus of my company and where you will find more information on the editing/writing aspects of my skillset.

Ninth Avenue is the result of more than 35 years working in the world of small/medium business in executive support and editorial assistance capacities. Through Ninth Avenue I can work with clients, offering the services I love and do best: writing and editing. I know how to get things done and have the ability to wear several "hats" simultaneously to ensure that what needs to happen, does.

To give you a little bit of my background, in 1995 I graduated from Penn State University with a BA in English with honors. I also completed the necessary credits for a second degree in Medieval Studies simply because I love history as much as English. I love learning and consider it to be an ongoing process. Very recently I successfully completed a course in Web Content Writing and Editing with Dave White.

My professional experience started in 1971 when I got my first position as a secretary in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Over the next 35 years I raised a family, obtained my college degree, and worked in the small business environment. I've been part of a 3 person office as well as part of a 30 person team. I've assisted company president's, vice presidents, and directors and learned my editorial assistant skills from outstanding editors and writers. My enjoyment for what I do is limitless and the fact that I've left the realm of corporate America merely reflects my preference to work in a less stressful and more nurturing environment.

Ninth Avenue and Illuminated Designs were founded on the principle that excellence does not have to cost more nor does it have to be sacrificed to meet a deadline. Working in an environment of one's own choosing is very conducive to the delivery of results that are of the highest quality because the work is done in an atmosphere that is free of the stress and distractions that come in a corporate environment. It is my deepseated belief that excellence flows from people who are highly skilled, experts in their fields, and happy in their working environments.

Amazing things can happen when people work together, in partnership, because each has a vested interest in the final outcome. Having ownership of all or part of a process creates pride and passion. Without these, excellence remains, at best happenstance or at worse absent, and mediocrity should never be an option.

I love what I do and that shows in the superior quality of the product that I can deliver to you, my Client. I believe YOU are my first priority and I want to work with you to make you GREAT.

Professionalism. Expertise. Passion. These are not mere words to me. These are the foundations upon which I stand.