I am a writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience in print,
web, and book publishing. I've always wanted to work with words. Writing is an obsession that allows me to continue to learn about myself
and the world.
I believe language is not taken seriously. Words are more
powerful than the credit they receive. Most
stuff too many words into a sentence or use those they do not understand to impress.
Idiomatic language is on the rise and it's used inaccurately.
If poor grammar ("There's some fools" rather than "There are some fools.") is used and heard often enough, it will be so. It
will become part of our lexicon and we will be fools without knowing it. I feel
we should try harder to realize what we say and what we mean. I'm trying harder.
After graduating from the University
of Vermont with a BA in English, I began writing for Outside, Aspen Daily News, San Francisco
Bay Guardian, and the San Francisco Chronicle. The
university's literary magazine was great, but the real thing
was better.
In 1992, I moved to San Francisco to work as an editorial assistant
for religious books at HarperCollins San Francisco. After a few years
I began freelance copyediting and proofreading for PC
World, Chronicle Books, and Ten Speed Press.
At that point, it was either graduate school for journalism or fiction. I think
I chose fiction because it seemed quieter, a vocation I could take with me to the remote edges of
the world. I didn't worry that it might not pay now or ever. Ironically, I've had more success
with journalism, but I am optimistic you will one day read my novel(s). I keep in mind that whatever
I write is story.
While enrolled in St. Mary's College of California's
fiction writing program, I founded a literary journal called in~tense.
At the same time, I worked as a publicist for a small Japanese book
publishing house in Berkeley called Stone Bridge Press where, on
shoestring budgets, I launched several seasons of eclectic books
about Japan. After finishing my degree, I taught freshmen composition
for the college.
Aware of a buzz across the Bay, I looked into the opportunities
a writer might have in the booming world of the web. In 1999, I joined
Sapient, a web and business consultancy, and soon became a senior
content strategist. My clients included Hewlett-Packard, Janus Mutual
Funds, CSAA (California's AAA), and Risk Management International.
After leaving in 2002, I worked with web clients such as Verizon
Wireless, Tickle.com, General Motors, and Wells Fargo.
My husband and I then moved to his native Santa Fe, New Mexico.
I began as a writer and web strategist for Nambé, a local
company specializing in beautifully designed, handcrafted products
for the home. Ever curious, I have pursued other local writing opportunities as well:
several articles in The Santa Fean and ad copy for the DeVargas Center to name a couple.
Now I am reaching out nationally (and soon internationally) from this high-altitude hamlet to find more engaging
projects and people. I think the proper words can heal and I'd like to wield the pen that does so. While there's always my novel The
Garden of Eva, a project so full of potential it tugs on my pantleg for more attention daily, there's also always my baby boy Gus, so I
must find a balance.
Please see my resume for more details. |
