Welcome
I’m so glad you found me! Cortney is spelled without a “u” and Fries is pronounced “freeze.”
I’m a nationally award-winning freelance writer and Chicago mom of two. I believe in facing challenges head on and focusing on what I want front and center — family, love, joy and adventure. In second grade, I won a young authors award for a story I wrote at recess.
Today I am a regular contributor to Redbook, Family Vacation Critic, Chicago Parent and Make It Better magazines, a Chicken Soup for the Soul author and member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors and the Midwest Travel Writers Association. My personal essays and features focus on relationships, parenting and travel. I won a 2015 Parenting Media Association award for a service feature. Hope you enjoy reading, and please let me if you have ideas on topics I should delve into.