What's Your Passion?

I’m fascinated by how people define, discover, and pursue something more. I write about all aspects of passion—from travel and food, to putting more heart in your home, to relationships and parenting, to the many different ways we each approach the quest to become part of something larger than our own lives. It's all about making meaningful connections. My writing experience includes:

Freelance Writer for National Magazines

During the past fifteen years, I've built strong relationships with editors at a wide variety of publications. My articles have appeared in magazines including O, The Oprah Magazine, Readers Digest, Woman's Day, AARP: The Magazine, The Christian Science Monitor, and various travel publications. I've also contributed to online outlets including ABCNews.com, CNN.com, iVillage, HGTV.com, and Fineliving.com.

My Debut Novel: The Valley of Ten Thousand Hills

In December 2006, I went to Rwanda on a leap of faith in search of something more. Be careful what you wish for: I discovered the beginnings of a novel that would take more than two years to complete. After fifteen years of interviewing people from all walks of life about their passions, I unwittingly stumbled on my own. Read an overview of this sweeping novel about a woman's search for the father who abandoned her, and how she discovers what she's longed for her entire life: family.  

Marketing and Publicity Consultant

Before the magazine writing took off, I made my living as a brand strategist and copywriter at marketing firms in New York, Chicago and Seattle. I’ve also been a publicity assistant at a major publishing house in New York as well as the publicity manager for a regional magazine publisher and a record label in Seattle. I still occasionally freelance in this arena.

Teaching

I have co-developed and co-taught an online class for authors in book promotion through Freelance Success. I have also led sessions in the areas of writing profiles, building a business plan and other topics for The American Society of Journalists and Authors.