Bio
My all-time favorite review of my writing is the one that compared it to “drinking triple venti espressos.”
The more caffeine the better!
I’ve been extraordinarily lucky, in my more than 30 years as a professional journalist and author, to have explored many topics I’ve been passionate about, from U.S. support for Latin American dictators to the growing threats from climate change to the struggles of families coping with mental disorders. I have great faith in the power of well-chosen words to focus minds and engage hearts.
From 1984-99, I reported from Asia, Africa, and Latin America for Knight Ridder Newspapers, covering coups, earthquakes, samba parades, civil wars, drug-trafficking, CIA support for dictators, Avon ladies in the Amazon and more, and winning several awards including a Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting and the Overseas Press Club award for reporting on human rights. After that, I moved back to California with my family where I’ve since authored, co-authored, and ghost-written ten books on topics including environmental conservation, ADHD, and progressive education. I’ve also worked as a writer, communications strategist, and speechwriter for clients including Bill Gates, major Silicon Valley investors, and the Ford, Packard, and Irvine foundations and Cater Communications.
Another thing I love to do is talk. Over the past decade, I’ve spoken to keynote audiences throughout the United States, Spain, Australia, and Canada, mostly about environmental conservation and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder.
These days I’m most drawn to collaborating with smart and good-hearted people to help bring out the best in their writing. I’ve taught op-ed writing to women’s groups through the Op-Ed Project and as a private consultant, coached all kinds of experts on their writing, and in my spare time lead writing workshops at Marin County’s Juvenile Hall.
If you have a project that could use my skills – and adrenaline – please reach out.
