Writing without effort leads to bored readers. I grew up 60 miles from the nearest mall and learned to explore the world through reading the encyclopedias stored in my bedroom and writing in lock-n-key diaries.

Full-time writers move beyond the sipping lattes and staring out windows. My writing awards include investigative reporting on the plight of radiation-poisoned Byelorussian children and at-risk prostitutes in the Philippines.

Relating to people in any audience requires leaving your ego in the parking lot. I shape my messages with gutsy drive and enough wit to help you chortle, guffaw, and rate me a 10 on comment cards.