My freelance writing career began in 1980 when I took over a monthly food column in New Age Journal from a writer with the unforgettable name of Crescent Dragonwagon (I never did meet her but she’s published 40 books since then). I’ve written about food, health and business for national, regional and Oregon publications. In the past few years I’ve written profiles and feature stories for Portland’s Business Journal, PSU Magazine, and the Pacific Northwest College of Art’s 2003 annual report, as well as press releases for a volunteer project.

The Travel Bug: Specialty tours find a niche
The Business Journal, March 23, 2001
I interviewed the owners of three small, Portland-based specialty tour companies: one specializing in European bicycle tours, another specializing in European hiking tours, and a third focused on Northwest special-interest tours. In an accompanying story I interviewed a travel industry marketing consultant about the growth of the specialty tour segment.

Book Reveals Problems of the Rich
PSU Magazine, Spring 2003
I interviewed Thayer Willis, who earned her MSW at Portland State, about her unusual social work niche—counseling people born into wealth—and her self-published book, Navigating The Dark Side of Wealth.

Press Release for The Comfort Project
June 2002
I wrote this press release for the second of three chair massage fundraising events organized in 2002 to benefit Mercy Corps, the Portland-based international aid organization. “The Comfort Project,” which I created in response to 9/11, provided an opportunity for massage therapists and the public to contribute comfort and money in Portland and overseas.

Website 101: Nine Tips for Getting Started
Red Acorn Design website article, Fall 2004
OK, so you don’t want to be the last one of your small-business colleagues without a website. Or you’ve already got a website, but you think you could make some improvements, maybe even generate some income. Clean, concise and focused content is key. These tips will point you in the right direction before you start writing.