Overview
I'm an award-winning nonfiction writer, journalist, ghostwriter, writing coach, speaker, & editor with 25+ years in the business. Well-versed in corporate and nonprofit marketing campaigns, internal communications, developing white papers. I'm here to help you make your story the story that matters.
As a ghostwriter for high profile private clients, I work hard to establish trust, dig into personal stories, and turn interviews into lively prose that gets your unique voice onto the page. I give your story shape and form, pulling together a powerful narrative that engages readers. The best personal stories are when the reader feels that the author is across the table, telling the tale with all its intricacies in a one on one conversation. That is what I will do for you, making your story the story that matters.
My talents for research are well honed. No fact is too small and no source should be discounted, be it a newspaper, legal and government documents, or personal papers. I've delved deep into corporate records, government documents, newspapers, personal diaries, letters, and even seemingly meaningless scraps of paper--all sources where research gold is found. Turning this mountain of material into lively prose is my specialty, a talent that has been praised by The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, and others.
I've been published by St. Martin's Press, Picador, Rebus Press of Poland, and others. I specialize in business writing, history, biography, true crime, and cultural topics. I've contributed to several anthologies, plus written history books on my hometown Chicago, exploring the Windy City through such prisms as its movie history, and Chicago's connections to Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War.
As a writing coach and speaker I've worked with clients at Northwestern University, DePaul University, University of Illinois-Chicago, plus other universities, libraries and private venues. My insights and talents are sought out for panel discussions, speeches and presentations, and individual coaching. I have 20+ years as a college writing teacher. We are all natural story tellers; that is part of our innate abilities as human beings. I firmly believe that anyone can become a good writer, from college students to business professionals to those who want to give the world their insights. I will help you bring out your natural talents and gifts!
Praise for my work includes Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Review, The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Christian Science Monitor, and Huffington Post, overseas reviewers in Poland, Israel, and elsewhere.
Interviews on MSNBC, NPR, PBS, National Geographic Channel, American Heroes Channel, broadcast outlets in Ireland, England, Australia, and Russia, plus numerous podcasts and blogs.
I've worked for business journals in Chicago and London, England. Other business writing includes award-winning marketing campaigns for higher education and publicity work.
Member of Authors Guild, International Federation of Journalists, PEN-USA, and Society of Midland Authors
Bachelor's Degree: Southern Illinois University
Masters Degree: Columbia College-Chicago
Additional education: Northwestern University, University of Iowa
Services
Non-Fiction
Languages
Awards
- Illinois State Library Authors Fair honoree
- Selected as participant in the exclusive Warner Brothers Comedy Writing Workshop
- Puffin Foundation Grant
- Michigan State Library Notable Author honoree
Work experience
Self-employed
All-service writing and editorial services: ghostwriter and collaborator. Experienced author, journalist, and historian. Business and nonprofit writing including internal communications, white papers, grants, and proposals.
Consultant, keynote speaker, and panelist on diverse topics including the business of writing, creativity, writing techniques, and turning creative writing into business strategies that get you to the places you want to be.
Self-employed
All-service writing/editing including editorial, ghostwriting, white papers, business writing, grants, and proposals. In-demand consultant, writing coach, keynote speaker, panelist.