Overview

I'M BOOKED! NOW RESERVING TIME FOR FEBRUARY 2018

Thanks for stopping by! If you'd like to reserve my time to work on your project starting in February, please send me a request. Please be aware that most book-length writing projects take a few months, so a project completion date of March is unrealistic, unless you are simply looking for developmental editing notes.

I love words and people in equal measure, which is why I feel so fortunate to be able to help clients tell their stories. I enjoy collaboration and have a pragmatic, organized, efficient approach that is based on more than 25 years as a professional writer and undoubtedly influenced by my years growing up on a farm in Iowa. I'm both creative and businesslike, having worked independently for more than two decades. My clients say I am warm and make projects fun and enjoyable.

I've ghostwritten, coached, coaxed and edited more than two dozen books into existence. I've also helped professional freelance writers launch successful writing careers. Some of my work with clients is confidential and cannot be disclosed but I am free to say that my clients have been published in The New York Times, Glamour, Elle, National Geographic, Salon and more. Their books have been published by Candlewick, Greenleaf, Yotzeret, Melange, WiDo and others. (You can see a few of the books I've worked on by scrolling to the portfolio section; please note that only a few of them were ghosted, the rest I worked on as a developmental editor/book doctor/writing coach.)

Client awards for work I assisted with include: Pushcart Prize Nomination; Zebulon Awards (5 total); Finalist, Flannery O’Connor Award for Short Fiction; The Glyph Award; First Place, North American Travel Journalists Association; Salon Editor’s Pick; Finalist, Tin House literary award; Finalist, Southwest Writers contest; Colorado Book Award; First Place, Society of Professional Journalists; Third Place, CIPA EVVY Award for Spiritual Writing and more.

I have an MFA in Creative Writing and an MA in United States History. I've had three books published under my own byline and had more than a thousand newspaper and magazine articles land in national and regional publications, including Arizona Highways, Black Enterprise, Working Woman, The New York Times, the Associated Press, America West Airlines Magazine and more.

I've won awards for both my fiction and nonfiction and can change up my writing to suit any style and genre, from hard-nosed journalism to literary fiction. I understand what makes a story tick and can turn a good phrase. I've written a few articles on writing for national publications and anthologies, including Keep it Real: Everything You Need to Know about Researching and Writing Creative Nonfiction.

MY APPROACH

Because each client's project is unique I tailor my approach to suit those individual needs. Generally, my process includes understanding the client's personal or professional goals and learning how the writing project or book fits that vision. I also find it important to get a grasp on similar books or pieces of writing the client admires or seeks to emulate.

At that point, depending on how much material is already available to work with, I may conduct a series of deep interviews, review client writing or notes and conduct any necessary research. I then organize and write an outline for review and will also likely write some sample chapters or scenes and a chapter-by-chapter synopsis. After we ascertain if I am on the right track, I write a rough draft and seek client feedback and then revise accordingly.

When I am collaboratively writing, I may write only parts of a book and do developmental editing on the client-written passages to ensure consistency and a professional standard. Sometimes my clients and I work together on the writing; I've written whole books sitting side-by-side with a client.

My hands-on approach helps clients who want to learn how to write do so, quickly and efficiently. I also offer lots of resources to the client who wants to learn more about writing and publishing or is on a budget and simply needs occasional guidance and support. I work with clients both in person and remotely over the phone or Skype.

GENRES SERVED

Nonfiction--Memoir, Education, Writing, Art, Architecture, Business, History, Food, Travel and Adventure, Health and Wellness, Spiritual, Science, Environmental and Self-Help.

Fiction--Young Adult, Middle Grade, Literary and Short Stories, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Thriller, Historical and Romance.

If you are interested in seeing if we'd be a good fit, please drop me a line and we can set up a time to chat. I look forward to talking with you.

Warm regards,

Lori


TESTIMONIALS

"Lori DeBoer is a superb writer with a stellar command of language at once literary and accessible to a wide audience. I have known Lori and her work for many years, and admire her editorial and teaching expertise. She has an uncommon degree of energy and enthusiasm that she puts to excellent use as a leader in the Colorado literary community. I especially appreciate her professionalism, sensitivity, and ability to work with others as writers and colleagues." -Gail Storey, award-winning author

"Lori DeBoer, my writing coach, helped me polish and fine-tune my manuscript. She coaxed and cajoled personal stories out of my head and onto the page and reminded me that my voice needed to enliven the rich and sometimes dense subject matter in this book." -- Thomas H. Stoner, Jr., Small Change, Big Gains: Reflections of an Energy Entrepreneur

“I came to Lori to strengthen my manuscript’s story line and narrative arc, tighten its conflict, and improve character development. As a professional development editor, Lori was incredibly supportive of my work, but most importantly gave me specific and constructive criticism to improve my book. Her hands on approach gave me both the knowledge and the skills to be able to improve my writing. Not only does Lori know writing, she also knows the writing business. It was a pleasure working with Lori and I highly recommend her. She is both professional and a great person. Every dollar I spent was worth it.” - Jessica Fishman, Chutzpah and High Heels: The Search for Love and Identity in the Holy Land

"Lori is an amazing coach and a great teacher. She has the ability to hone in quickly on areas that are unclear, and help provide the structure and logic for engaging the reader. I appreciate her incredible intelligence and ability to see the possibilities in not only the material at hand, but for expanding and growing beyond the task we’re working on. It’s been a gift having her as my coach.” – Susan Osborn, Author and Coach at Empowered for Life

"Lori supported my effort to write my first novel, and I must say that her support, advise and assistance was tremendous. Lori is a talented professional writer and I could not have been able to produce a first class product without her input." - n.f. steiner, Redemption

"As a filmmaker, screenwriter, and author I can recommend Lori without reservation. Whether collaborating, editing, or writing, Lori has a wealth of knowledge. More importantly, she has the unique ability to analyze a writing project, identify its strengths and weaknesses, and structure a strategy to make the finished product the best it can possibly be." - Erik V Wolter, Founder and CEO at EVW Entertainment

"Lori showed me how to take my sketchy first draft of a manuscript and transform it with the color of scene setting and character details that made it much more readable, polished, and most importantly published! She is incredibly talented, hard working and a joy to work with. She's much more than an editor; a real coach that every writer should have in their corner." - Kerry Parry, Conversations with the Faithful: A Spiritual Journey

Services

Languages

Fiction

Non-Fiction

I write short stories, essays and both fiction and creative nonfiction books.

BOOKS

Food Truck Love: Running Down the American Dream. In progress.

Parrot Love: Stories of Love and Loss. In progress.

Shadow Engineer. With Eric Bogatin, Abby Rose Press, Longmont, CO, 2015.

Insiders’ Guide to Phoenix, 2nd Edition. With Paul Morris. Globe Pequot Press, Guilford, CT, 2001.

Agri-Fab: A Miracle in the Making. Heritage Publishers, Inc., Phoenix, AZ, 2001.

ANTHOLOGIES AND JOURNALS (FICTION AND NONFICTION)

“To Hear Her Story Told,” Pithead Chapel, January 2014. Fiction.

“Girl in Motion,” Gloom Cupboard, November 2013. Fiction.

“All the Love in the World,” Bellevue Literary Review, April 2013. Fiction. Shortlisted for the Bellevue Literary Review Prize, judged by Jane Smiley.

“The Roots of Memoir,” “The Narrative Impulse,” “The Memoir Craze,” Keep it Real: Everything You Need to
Know about Researching and Writing Creative Nonfiction, editors Lee Gutkind and Hattie Fletcher, W.W. Norton and Company, NY, 2008.

“The History of Memoir” and “The Narrative Impulse,” A Million Little Choices: The ABCs of CNF, Issue 29, 2006.

“Childish Things,” Mamaphonic: Balancing Motherhood and Other Creative Acts, editors Bee Lavender and
Maia Rossini, Softskull Press, Brooklyn, NY, November 2004, pp 72-77.

I write about food, travel, publishing, technology, business, art and more for traditional and online media. I have written articles on Jimmy Carter, Lech Walesa, Richard Leakey, Susan Sontag, Marjorie Holmes, Frankie Manning, Paolo Soleri and more. My articles have been published in the Associated Press, Arizona Highways, The New York Times, America West Airlines Magazine, Phoenix Magazine, Arizona Business Magazine, Working Woman, Black Enterprise, Boulderite, Fort Collins Magazine and others. I have an ongoing contract to proofread magazines for Evergreen Publishing Company in Colorado.

SELECTED MAGAZINE ARTICLES

ART AND ARCHITECTURE

“Reception Décor Know-How,” Tucson Bride & Groom, Tucson, AZ, Winter/Spring 2004.

“La Grande Orange: Here Comes the Neighborhood,” Arizona Food & Lifestyles, Phoenix, AZ, April/May2003, pp 20-22.

“A Love-ly Work of Art, PHOENIX Magazine, Phoenix, AZ, February 2003, pp 25.

“The Lights of His Life,” PHOENIX Magazine, Phoenix, AZ, December 2002, pp 19.

“Creative Outlets: Do-It-Yourself Shops Bring Out the Artist Within,” Valley Guide Quarterly, Phoenix AZ, Winter 2001, pp 112-116.

“Sandra Day O’Connor Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse: A Modern Beacon of Justice,” Arizona Attorney, Phoenix, AZ, October 2000, pp 32-34.

“Torch Song: Find glass art in Greater Phoenix-area museums, galleries & studios,” Valley Guide Quarterly, Phoenix, AZ, Summer 2000, pp 47-51.

“Arcology Professor,” PHOENIX Magazine, Phoenix, AZ, June 2000, pp 80-81.

“Museum Hopping,” America West Airlines Magazine, Phoenix, AZ, April 2000, pp 32.

“Bold Strokes: More and More Women Are Climbing the Boardroom Walls,” Working Woman, New York, NY, February 2000, pp 17.

“Artist’s Portrait,” America West Airlines Magazine, Phoenix, AZ, February 2000, 26.

“From Talavera to Tarahumara: A Shopper’s Guide to Mexican Pottery,” Valley Guide Quarterly, Phoenix, AZ, Winter 2000, pp 88-93.

“Swing Fling,” Phoenix Magazine, Phoenix, AZ, January 2000, pp 30.

“Artful Attraction,” America West Airlines Magazine, Phoenix, AZ, January 2000, pp 34.

“Chinese Cultural Center: People Love It or Hate It,” The Business Journal, Phoenix, AZ, November 13, 1999.

“Swing Fling,” America West Airlines Magazine, Phoenix, AZ, September 1999, pp 38-40.

“Desert Stadium’s Retractable Roof Calls for Massive Cooling System,” Indoor Comfort News, Glendale, CA, October 1998, pp 1-4.

BUSINESS

“Cleaning Their Way to the Top,” Black Enterprise, New York, NY, October 2000, pp 44, 46.

“Growth Curb? Growth Debate Heads to Ballots,” Arizona Business Magazine, Phoenix, AZ, May/June 2000, pp 203-205.

“Staying Afloat: Strategies for Surviving a Cash Flow Crisis,” Black Enterprise, New York, NY, May 2000.

“Building Strength: Setting the foundation for Arizona building scene,” Arizona Business Magazine, Phoenix,
AZ, January/February 2000, pp 157-160.

“Borrowing Wisely: Tips on Securing Loans from Family and Friends,” Black Enterprise, New York,
NY, February 2000, pp 62, 64.

“Making a Fresh Start,” Arizona Foothills, Ahwatukee, AZ, January 2000, pp 28-29.

“Lines in the Sand: Future Growth at Turning Point,” Arizona Business Magazine, Phoenix, AZ, October/November 1999, pp 140-147.

“Extended Stay: Arizona Resort Products React to Demand,” Arizona Business Magazine, Phoenix, AZ,
September/October 1999, pp 136-141.

“Road Race: East Valley Speeds Freeway Construction,” Arizona Business Magazine, Phoenix, AZ,
July/August 1999, pp 188-191.

“Fiddlesticks: Family Ties,” Arizona Business Magazine, Phoenix, AZ, May/June 1999, pp 94.

“A Good Schtick,” Arizona Business Magazine, Phoenix, AZ, May/June 1999, pp 97.

“Exponential Growth,” Arizona Business Magazine, Phoenix, AZ, May/June 1999, pp 97.

“Internships Get High Marks,” Incentive Magazine, New York, NY, December 1998, pp 79-80.

“Iowa Office Supply,” Iowa Commerce Magazine, Des Moines, IA, September 1990, pp 8-10.

HEALTH AND FITNESS

“You, 2.0,” Boulderite, Boulder, CO, Summer 2016, pp 38-43.

“Teaching Yoga in San Quentin,” Thunderbird Alumni Magazine, Glendale, AZ, Fall 2007

“Kathy Anderson: The Emily Center at Phoenix Children’s Hospital,” Arizona Foothills, Ahwatukee, AZ,
October 1999.

“Whittaker Breaks Barriers to the Top of the World,” Sweat Magazine, Phoenix, AZ, November 1998.

“Beating Burnout When the Golden Years Become Tarnished,” Get Up & Go, Phoenix, AZ, November 1998.

“Beating Job Burnout,” Incentive Magazine, New York, NY, November 1998, pp 121-122.

PERSONALITY PROFILES

“Kid Warrior,” Boulderite, Boulder CO, Summer 2016, pp 12.

“Food Fighter Robyn O’Brien,” Boulderite, Boulder, CO, Summer 2016, pp 50.

“Deans of Distinction,” Arizona Attorney, Phoenix, AZ, May 2001, pp 30-33.

“The Scent of One Woman,” America West Airlines Magazine, Phoenix, AZ, October 2000, pp 20.

“Ken White: Executive Director, The Arizona Humane Society,” Arizona Foothills, December 1999, pp 24-25.

“Dedicated Volunteers at McDowell Sonoran Land Trust,” Arizona Foothills, Ahwatukee, AZ, November1999.

“Arizona ‘Giant’ Leaves Big Legacy,” Community College Times, Washington, D.C., May 18, 1999.

“The Adventurous Career of Tom Whittaker,” Careers and the Disabled, Mellville, NY, March 1999, pp 28-29.

“Maya Angelou Believes in the Promise of Rainbows,” The Costco Connection, Issaquah, WA, December 1997.

“Trickstoesse Sind Kein Trick,” European Billiard News, St. Johann, Austria, Fall 1992, pp 66-68.

“Equal Education for All? Author and educator Jonathan Kozol says poor students get a poor education,” Beyond
Behavior, Storm Lake, IA, 1990, pp. 6-8.

TRAVEL AND FOOD

“Against the Grain, Paleo Restaurants,” Boulderite, Boulder, CO, Summer 2016, pp 47.

“Desert Soothers: 7 area spas offer luxurious treatments found only in Arizona,” Valley Guide Quarterly,
Phoenix, AZ, Spring 2003, pp 38-42.

“Sushi on Shea: Heavenly Bounty,” Scottsdale Magazine, Scottsdale, AZ, March/April 2002, pp 80.

“RigaTony’s: That’s Amore,” East Valley Magazine, Scottsdale, AZ, March/April 2002, pp 44.

“Sailor’s Delight: Salt Cellar Restaurant,” Scottsdale Magazine, Scottsdale, AZ, January/February 2002, pp 88.

“RA: A Rare Treat,” East Valley Magazine, Scottsdale, AZ, January/February 2002, pp 36.

“Communique,” America West Airlines Magazine, Phoenix, AZ, August 2000, pp 28.

“Anchorage Around the Clock,” America West Airlines Magazine, Phoenix, AZ, July 2000, pp 16-18.

“Savoring Seattle: Finding the Flavors of the Pacific City,” America West Airlines Magazine, Phoenix, AZ, May
2000, pp 13-15.

“Communique,” America West Airlines Magazine, Phoenix, AZ, April 2000, pp 30.

“Taliesin West: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Desert Dream,” Arizona Highroads, Phoenix, AZ, March/April 2000.

“On the Menu,” America West Airlines Magazine, Phoenix, AZ, March 2000, pp 46.

“Just Desserts,” America West Airlines Magazine, Phoenix, AZ, February 2000, pp 38.

“World’s Fare,” Phoenix Magazine, Phoenix, AZ, January 2000, pp 80-85.

“Glass Act,” America West Airlines Magazine, Phoenix, AZ, December 1999, pp 24.

“Petrified National Forest,” Arizona Foothills Magazine, Ahwatukee, AZ, August 1999, pp 20.

TECHNOLOGY AND TRENDS

“Let’s Rock,” Arizona Living, Tucson, AZ, Spring 2004.

“Isn’t It Romantic?” Phoenix Bride & Groom, Phoenix, AZ, Summer/Fall 2003, pp 58-61.

“Home Cookin’ Without the Fuss,” Phoenix Magazine, Phoenix, AZ, January 2001, pp 52.

“The Next Superhighway,” Phoenix Magazine, Phoenix, AZ, October 2000, pp 77-78.

“Loopy Pilots,” Phoenix Magazine, Phoenix, AZ, March 2000, pp 39.

“ITS in Phoenix Shines Bright,” ITS World, Des Plaines, IL, November/December 1999, pp 20-23.

“Enviro-Friendly Homes: It’s Getting Easy to Be Green,” Arizona Foothills, Ahwatukee, AZ,September 1999, pp A48-A49.

“High-Tech Homes,” Arizona Foothills, Ahwatukee, AZ, September 1999, pp A36-A37.

“Sedona Conference Ponders Technology Gains,” Community College Times, Washington, D.C., May 4, 1999.

ONLINE

“Interview with Screenwriter Erik V. Wolter,” 20 Questions Film, 2015.

“Michelle Theall Talks About the Risks of Writing Real Life, Faith and the Importance of Networking,” The
Boulder Writers’ Workshop Blog, August 23, 2014.

“Gail Storey Talks about Writing Real Life, Humor and Book Marketing, The Boulder Writers’ Workshop Blog,
August 15, 2015.

“Six Short Story Traps and Quick Escapes,” Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Blog, April 24, 2014.

“Authors Who Overcame Hardships and Still Kicked Butt,” Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Blog, April 10,
2014.

“No Need to Bleed: Painless Ways to Breech the Blank Page,” Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Blog, March 13,
2014.

“Reading Like a Writer,” Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Blog, February 13, 2014.

“Six Ways to Make More Writing Time,” Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Blog, January 9, 2014.

“Pushing Through the Middle: Tips for the NaNoWriMo Crowd and other First Drafters,” Rocky Mountain
Fiction Writers Blog, November 14, 2013.

“Linda Tate Talks About Writing Family Secrets, Creative Nonfiction and Her Newest Project,” The Boulder
Writers’ Workshop Blog, November 2, 2013.

“After the Critique: Sorting the Good Advice from the Bad,” Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Blog, October 10,
2013.

“Getting Physical: Ways to Make Your Characters Come Alive,” Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Blog,
September 13, 2013.

“Sue Campbell, Author and Designer, Talks About Judging a Book By Its Cover,” The Boulder Writers’
Workshop Blog, October 21, 2012.

“Author Linda Commito Talks About the Magic and Practicalities of Collecting Other People’s Stories,” The
Boulder Writers’ Workshop Blog, July 19, 2012.

“Feedback Loop: Seeking Critique from Friends and Family,” The Parking Lot Confessional, February 22, 2011.

SELECTED NEWSPAPER ARTICLES

“Sustainability Tax: Boulder County proposes a new levy aimed at boosting local agriculture,” The Boulder
Weekly, Boulder, CO, May 22, 2014.

“Risky Business: Owners Turn to Family, Credit Cards,” The Business Journal, Phoenix, AZ, November 27,
1998, pp 42B.

“SBA Loans: Couple Finds More Money Available,” The Business Journal, Phoenix, AZ, November 27, 1998,
pp 35B.

“The Next Step: Graduating to Traditional Lenders,” The Business Journal, Phoenix, AZ, November 27, 1998,
pp 45B.

“Planning Software Puts CEO Ahead of Schedule,” The Business Journal, Phoenix, AZ, October 30, 1998.

“Advanced Digital Unveils 3 New Wireless Systems” The Business Journal, Phoenix, AZ, October 30, 1998.

“Sunquest Outlook Bright,” The Business Journal, Phoenix, AZ, October 30, 1998.

“Women Increase Earnings with Education,” Arizona Women’s News, Phoenix, AZ, September 1998, pp 1, 11.

“Women’s Web Magazine Now Online,” Feminist Voices, Madison, WI, July 5-September 6, 1996.

“Carter to Iowans: Persian Gulf is Teaching U.S. Lessons Too Late,” Associated Press, Des Moines, IA,
September 1990.

“Author Tells Struggle of America’s Poor,” The Des Moines Register, Des Moines, IA, November 8, 1990.

“Richard Leakey Takes Giant Step to Save Elephants,” The Des Moines Register, November 6, 1990.

“Susan Sontag: When Evil is Attached to Illness,” The Des Moines Register, Des Moines, IA, April 4, 1990.

“Schafly, Weddington, Debate in Storm Lake,” The Des Moines Register, Des Moines, IA, March 1, 1990.

“For Study of Race, All-White School Calls on an Actress,” The New York Times, January 1, 1990.

“Walesa Urges Students to Do Business in Poland,” Associated Press, Des Moines, IA, November 1988.

SELECTED NEWSLETTER ARTICLES

“New Blastocyst Procedure Improves Pregnancy Odds for Some Couples with Infertility Concerns”
In Our Care, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, Winter/Spring 2000.

“Ivins Speaks for Freedom,” Typewriter, Arizona Press Women, Phoenix, AZ, March 1999, pp 1.

I've served as a writing instructor at numerous colleges and universities as well as being an invited speaker for writing or my research at numerous professional conferences.

COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY TEACHING

Adjunct Faculty Member, Communications Department, University of Colorado-Denver, Fall 2016, Spring 2017

Faculty Associate, Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Arizona State University, Spring and Fall 2008

Adjunct Faculty Member, Liberal Studies, South Mountain Community College, Fall 2008

Instructor, Piper Writer’s Center, Arizona State University, Fall and Spring 2005, Fall and Spring 2006

Adjunct Faculty Member, Creative Writing Department, Phoenix College, Fall 2001-Fall 2006

Professional Mentor, Magazine Writing, Prescott College, Spring 2005

Teaching Assistant, History Department, University of Nebraska, Fall 1992-Fall 1993

Writing Instructor, Monticello Community Education, Monticello, MN, Spring 1989

COURSES TAUGHT

Creative Nonfiction
Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing, Arizona State University
Creative Writing Department, Phoenix College

English 101
Liberal Arts Department, South Mountain Community College

Introduction to Journalism
Communications Department, University of Colorado-Denver

Magazine Writing
Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, Arizona State University
Creative Writing Department, Phoenix College

Media Writing Skills
Communications Department, University of Colorado-Denver

Writing the Narrative Nonfiction Book
Creative Writing Department, Phoenix College

INVITED TALKS

“Writing Short Stories,” Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Workshop, Denver, CO, 2014

“Make Writing Your Dream Job,” Writer’s Luncheon Table, Highlands City Club, Boulder, CO, 2013

“Blogging Across the Curriculum,” Colorado Association of Gifted and Talented, Westminster, CO, 2013

“Novel Ideas: Novelists Teaching the Craft of Novel Writing,” substitute for no-show speaker, Associate Writing
Programs Annual Conference, Denver, CO, 2010

“The Poetics of Place: Using Visuals to Enhance Your Script for the Visual Medium of Film,” Moondance Film
Festival, Boulder, CO, 2009

“Motherhood and Writing,” with Elizabeth Searle and Barbara Nelson, Arizona State University’s Writing
Conference, Desert Nights, Rising Star, Tempe, AZ, 2005

“How Much Per Word: Making a Living as Freelance Writer,” Arizona State University’s Writing Conference,
Desert Nights, Rising Star, Tempe, AZ, 2004

“Women on the Web,” Arizona Commission on the Status of Women, Phoenix, AZ, 1996

“Service, Sales and Women’s Culture,” Iowa Heritage Expo, Des Moines, IA, June 1995

“They’ll Use the Recipe,” USDA’s Fifth Conference on Rural and Farm Women, Washington, D.C.,1994

“Sisters of the Skillet,” Northern Great Plains History Conference, Minneapolis, MN, 1994

“Radio Homemakers,” Rural History Seminar, Buena Vista College, Storm Lake, IA, 1994

“Radio Homemakers in Shenandoah, Iowa,” Phi Alpha Theta Regional Meeting, Chadron, NE, 1994

Commentator, Rural Women Panel, Missouri Valley History Conference, Omaha, NE, 1994

“Designing a Newsletter,” Iowa Association of Hospice Administrators, Storm Lake, IA,1991

“Rules of the Road to Success,” Buena Vista College Presidential Fellows, Storm Lake, IA, 1990

"...Child Decoded is nearly flawless in its readability, presentation and storytelling." -- Blue Ink Review "Where's the Owner's Manual?!"What parent hasn't wished for the manual that goes with her child? And children with complex behavior or learning issues can be even more confounding.The last twenty years have seen a huge increase, not only in children with learning and behavior problems, b... read more

Having grown up in Minnesota, Jessica Fishman moves to a land in the Middle East that is full of idiosyncrasies, terrorists, and beautiful, olive-skinned men. When she arrives in Israel, she is a wide-eyed immigrant hoping to survive on Zionism. But instead of working the land on a kibbutz or being swept off her feet by a strong, sensitive Israeli soldier, Jessica is faced with a barrage of ri... read more

The one guide every creative nonfiction writer needs to turn to when being "creative." Writers of memoir and narrative nonfiction are experiencing difficult days with the discovery that some well-known works in the genre contain exaggerations--or are partially fabricated. But what are the parameters of creative nonfiction? Keep It Real begins by defining creative nonfiction. Then it explores t... read more

Do you have a toddler seat strapped in the back of the tour van? Do you write poetry while the baby naps? Have you discovered that becoming a mother has changed not only your daily life but the content of your creative work? Mamaphonic is an anthology about mothering and the creative process. The book includes confessions and conversations about the true, exhilarating, entertaining, and diffic... read more

Small Change, Big Gains: Reflections of an Energy Entrepreneur introduces climate change economics and provides recommendations on how to develop feasible pathways to a sustainable energy future. Mr. Stoner examines the global energy supply as if it was a single portfolio of assets, and shows it is possible to align the interests of energy investors, suppliers, users, and environmental steward... read more

Occasionally tear-jerking, sometimes funny, always sincere, Behind the Mic takes readers on a ride with the man who morphed from small-town boy to one of radios most prolific personalities. Dave Pratts memoir, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, also details his triumphant battle with cancer.

The Insiders' Guide to Phoenix offers travelers, newcomers, and even locals the best, most comprehensive information on what's happening in the area. With 300 days of sunshine a year, Phoenix's Valley of the Sun welcomes travelers with great golf, luxury resorts, stunning sunsets, a rich cultural history, and a variety of shopping, dining, and nightlife opportunities. Now that you are coming, ... read more

SEASONS OF LOVE AND WAR is a historical family saga and epic love story. Childhood sweethearts Beth Ann Rose and Kaylob Shawn O’Brien just want to get married and pursue their dream careers, but the Vietnam War changes everything when Kaylob is drafted into the Army and declared dead. Beth Ann has a complete emotional melt down and starts to have visions of him in the jungles of Vietnam. Is he... read more

He was a denizen of 1920s Hollywood, where he starred in some 50 silent films. A sideshow performer who toured with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus for 14 years. A renowned painter, poet and photographer. A sculptor whose works can be found in the permanent collection of the Museum of Natural History in New York. An accomplished dancer, musician, vaudeville entertainer and expert mar... read more

What's the secret to falling in love? The Laptop Dancer Diaries is a story of my year-long journey as a single mom, determined to figure it out. I realize something is wrong when the closest thing I have to a boyfriend is my laptop. Sure he's easy to turn on, but his performance is not what it used to be. I want more. I vow to venture out into the real world, take more risks and conquer my ins... read more

Christina willingly gave up her successful career as the star of the New York Ballet Company in order to marry Adam. Now a happy wife and mother living in the small city of Lockville, she longs to tap into her creative life once again and introduce her new community to big-city culture.As the founding director of the local ballet company, she decides the first production should be a racy rendi... read more

Life without faith is a precarious way to exist. This was the position of a wannabe believer, Kerry Parry, who grew up in a family that believed religion was like sex. It was something you had to figure out on your own.Her parents, who had left their own faiths of Mormonism and Evangelicalism, believed they were doing a favor to their children by shielding them from the trappings of religion. ... read more