ABOUT PATTY JO

In the Beginning

Immersion. That’s how I learn that words change lives. Just a few weeks after my first byline, the newspaper commissioned me to tackle a national crisis.

  • Does it exist in our little community? Prove it!
  • Can you stir up our readers and give them a voice? 
  • Can you find a solution that honors everyone? 

It wasn’t easy. I learned by trial and error to shape the message (written and spoken) for each audience—officials, adult residents, and youth. By project’s end, I had learned to write with clarity and heart.


Less than a year later, the newspaper received the Community Service Award, and I was granted First Place Investigative Reporter from the North Carolina Press Association.

Best of all, the community created a non-profit that served its needs for 25 years.


The award-winning book Under the Influence: The Town That Listened to Its Kids traces this fascinating journey.

Then the phone started ringing. Magazines, publishing companies, businesses, and individuals wanted writing (and speaking) to reflect their passion for their services.

Birth of My Company

In 2011, Classic Writing and Public Relations was born. Through my company, I help people build their brand by navigating words—the stepping stones of business.

By partnering with Classic Writing:

You save time.

You capitalize on opportunities.

You replace frustration with fulfillment.

You stay focused on your passion.

Reach the Heart from the Start

The heart—not the head—makes up to 95% of buying decisions, according to Harvard Business School. That’s a fact. Does it touch your emotions? Probably not.


Today’s consumers want to hear about you. They want to know why you do what you do and why you care about them. That builds connection, comfort, and loyalty. This is where a small investment in ghostwriting can yield big rewards.

"The heart—not the head—makes up to 95% of buying decisions."

Isolate and incorporate compelling stories.

Interview happy clients for meaningful testimonials.

Choose words that enhance likeability and connectivity.

Our Mission

Classic Writing and Public Relations helps businesses and individuals tell their stories with heart, momentum, and authenticity.

Classic Writing endeavors to grow its family of clients with the same integrity and excellence it uses to craft each message—large or small.

Classic Writing relies on a no-gags, no-gimmicks classic approach that builds a trustworthy brand for everyone.

Awards & Recognition

About My Book

Thousands of teachers, law enforcement officers, parents, and students have accessed resources in this book to build healthier relationships.

The hardcover edition of the book includes:

  • Top 10 Stressors of Youth and peer stories to address them.
  • Case Study: WHY two children from the same family make opposite moral choices.
  • Parent Handbook.
  • Three clues—a person’s relationship to Cope, Connect, and Control—that influence that person’s chances of staying on the healthy path.
  • A roadmap to empower youth and youth-driven organizations.
  • Simple things ANYONE can do to make a difference with the young people in their community.


This book is available on Amazon.com.

Read more to see how this book is being used in schools and by law enforcement officers.

Let's talk.

Call or text (336) 906-7238