Reedy? Easy? Reedsy! An Editor’s View

Reedy? Easy? Reedsy! An Editor’s View

When people ask me what I’m working on these days, more often than not they’re wanting to know about my food writing because, well…food. I have a regular gig with Tucson Foodie, which I enjoy because, well…food. I mostly write profiles of Tucson chefs, which means I get to talk to creative, interesting people, albeit […]

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Say Yes to the Mess: A Meta Story

Say Yes to the Mess: A Meta Story

These are chaotic times. Perhaps in an attempt to impose order on the world’s mess, several people I know are decluttering their homes. (This is distinct from cleaning, though that is often required when the removal of clutter reveals a warren of dust bunnies.) It was in that spirit that I started Marie Kondo-izing my […]

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The Importance of Being Edited

The Importance of Being Edited

Editing is essential to establishing the credibility of any book, fiction and non-fiction, self-published or traditionally published. Here’s a basic look at the process, including a definition of terms.

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Coronavirus Confessions of a Surly Wench & Slattern

Coronavirus Confessions of a Surly Wench & Slattern

It’s hard to read the expressions on the faces of mask wearers, but I knew the two women walking together on the opposite side of the street were smiling at me and my dog: We’ve had plenty of pre-coronavirus encounters that involved friendly salutations. Also, it’s tough to resist smiling at Madeleine, a little white […]

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The Author & Her Dog Book Tour: A Teleseminar

The Author & Her Dog Book Tour: A Teleseminar

A few years and several lifetimes ago, I put together a book tour that involved my dog, Madeleine. I’m going to talk about the logistics of its creation in a teleseminar on “How to Host Your Own Book Tour” for the Nonfiction Authors Association on Wednesday, April 1, 10am PT, 1pm ET. You’re talking about […]

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How I Accidentally Became a Travel Writer

How I Accidentally Became a Travel Writer

It’s summer — the perfect time to read Getting Naked for Money: An Accidental Travel Writer Reveals All. This excerpt from my memoir–plus bonus text about my worst job interview, ever–is a teaser. Is Travel Writing Real Writing? I had writer’s block before I ever became a writer. By the time I was 25, I […]

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My Year of Family, Freud & Frommer’s

My Year of Family, Freud & Frommer’s

It’s been quite the year for new old things, including family history, travel publishing history, and European history. Last June, I went to London to a family reunion and to Vienna to see the unveiling of a Freud statue that was supposed to have been installed in 1936. Last August, I went to San Antonio […]

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Food Writing 101

Food Writing 101

In preparation for teaching a food writing class, I asked several experts for their input. Boy, did I get some great suggestions, many of them posted here.

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Media Mail & Other Weighty Matters

Media Mail & Other Weighty Matters

I spend a lot of time in the US Post Office these days, especially sending media mail with press releases. Who knew I was breaking the law?

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The Complete Shirker’s Guide to Book Marketing

The Complete Shirker’s Guide to Book Marketing

All book marketing is supposed to be done *before* publication, right? Not so! There’s plenty of time to get the word out. Remember, It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

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Twin Cities Book Tour, Nits & Ticks

Twin Cities Book Tour, Nits & Ticks

My summer book tour concludes with two readings in the Twin Cities: St. Paul on July 7, 7pm at SubText, Minneapolis on July 13, 7pm, at Magers & Quinn. Madeleine will be taking a well-deserved break from spokesdog duties.

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What’s On Your Business Card? The 3 Faces of Edie

What’s On Your Business Card? The 3 Faces of Edie

I contain multitudes. So said Walt Whitman. So showed one of my odder business cards. What can I say? It’s hard for me to pass up a good pun and the extremely talented Laura E. Kelley is my enabler, in this and other endeavors. The card it’s still more-or-less accurate in that it reflects the main divisions […]

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