The Latest
September 25, 2024
As part of my ongoing project related to heritage tourism, I found people who love research as much as I do at the annual conference of New York State public historians.
July 8, 2024
Interviewing some of the country’s top bartenders and learning their secrets for crafting a perfect cocktail has really upped my home cocktail game.
June 5, 2024
This week, my freelance writing business, launched in the flip-phone era, celebrates 19 years. One thing that’s been a constant during this global economic, cultural and technological rollercoaster ride has been having a solid circle of writing colleagues for counsel, camaraderie and, most importantly, inspiration.
To that end, I held another in my series of “Kill Your Darlings” literary salons. (Note to non-writers, Kill Your Darlings refers to editing out unnecessary story elements, not eliminating loved ones). Writers shared personal essays, memoir excerpts, novels-in-progress and monologues. We’re all used to seeing our work in print, online or on-air, but it’s another thing entirely to stand in front of a group of accomplished writers and allow yourself to be vulnerable. There’s power in sharing. Big thanks to those who participated with such enthusiasm.
April 15, 2024
I was lucky enough to find a cozy writing spot at the Community Library in Ketchum when I was in Idaho for a read-through of my tour script of “Resisters of the Pacific Northwest” about Japanese Americans who stood up to authority during World War II incarceration.
The library is not only a beautiful space, but an amazing cultural resource. It offers a residency program for writers, scholars and artists at Ernest Hemingway’s final home nearby. Who wants to apply?
April 9, 2024
For a new year-long project, I’ve traveled almost 600 miles for meetings at museums and historical societies mostly around Long Island. I sometimes take for granted how much is out here like wineries, farmlands, Native American reservations, Hamptons glitz, a Revolutionary War spy ring and islands off the Island. One thing is true: at some point you’re going to be stopped dead in traffic. But also true: whenever you get a glimpse of the ocean, everything gets better.
January 24, 2024
Super excited about my next script-writing project, “Resisters of the Pacific Northwest.” I’m honored to be entrusted with telling the stories of Japanese American incarceration–and acts of defiance–during World War II in one of the worst violations of constitutional rights in American history. The project is for the Minidoka National Historic Site, one of 10 American concentration camps. As writers, we always want to get the facts right, but I feel a huge responsibility to do justice to this big, complicated, painful and shameful chapter in our not-so-long-ago history.
January 15, 2024
While in Seattle for business meetings, I had a couple of hours to wander around the city on my own and recognized this cool catamaran that runs Seattle Harbor excursions. Three years ago, I wrote the audio tour guests hear onboard. The design of the ship, by the way, was inspired by the sacred canoes of Northwest Pacific tribes.
December 28, 2023
Big thanks to my clients and collaborators for another rewarding year. I’m so appreciative of the trust they’ve put in me and the referrals that have helped to sustain my business all these years.
December 15, 2023
Grateful for wonderful clients.
November 20, 2023
When you’ve been writing for a long time, there’s a real danger of getting stuck in your voice. It’s easy to fall back on the same patterns and phrasing. One way I try to keep my writing fresh is by playing around with different genres, even if they’re not necessarily related to my client work. I just completed a six-week play reading series where professional actors “performed” three short plays I wrote. It’s another way to hone storytelling skills. Also, it was a blast. If anyone has a play they’ve written or are working on, message me. I’d love to hear about it.