Bio

After more than 20 years as a writer, journalist, editor and syndicated humor columnist, the next chapter in my own writer’s journey began two years ago, when I finished the final draft of No Safe Harbor and also launched my own manuscript editing service, Easy Writer Editing Services. 

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My journey began In 1984 when, after graduating high school in Oregon, I moved to Dallas, Texas — where I found work as a line cook at an upscale fine-dining restaurant called L&N Seafood. Even back then, I knew the one thing every writer needs: a Food Handler's Card. Two years later, I was promoted to corporate chef and began traveling throughout the Deep South, coordinating restaurant openings. In 1989, I was promoted to regional chef and moved to Atlanta, Ga., where I oversaw kitchen operations for 15 L&N Seafood locations throughout the Southern region.

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However, during my years in the restaurant business, I continued to write, getting short stories published in dozens of small press magazines. Then, In 1999, I moved back to Oregon and was hired as the sports editor for Siuslaw News in Florence, Ore. In addition to sports, I also began writing a weekly humor column. During my time at Siuslaw News, I was awarded “Best Local Column” from both the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association and the Society of Professional Journalists. In 2013, my column became a syndicated feature with News Media Corporation, where it appeared in more than 50 newspapers. I was then promoted to Editor-in-Chief in 2016, where I remained until semi-retiring in 2021.

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Though it took a few decades and a couple of side roads, I feel very blessed to be in a position to pursue fiction writing full time while also utilizing what I've learned as a journalist and writer to help other writers on their own literary journey...