Writing is my passion. Working on my books, helping others tell their story, teaching the craft, and sharing my expertise as a go-to media expert. It's what I do.

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My research and writing stories lost in the cracks of time earned praise from readers and critics alike, including Publisher's Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, and others. I love exploring the forgotten tales of American history. That's the driving force in my books Swastika Nation: Fritz Kuhn and the Rise and Fall of the German-American Bund (St. Martin's Press & Picador), Bath Massacre: America's First School Bombing (University of Michigan Press), and three books on Chicago film and Civil War history (Lake Claremont Press).

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I'm an engaging talking head, interviewed by major American news outlets including C-SPAN Book TV, MSNBC, PBS "American Experience," NPR, National Geographic Channel, The New York Times, and The Washington Post; plus international media including the BBC, Australian Public Radio, The Times of Israel, and other countries including Ireland, Germany, Poland, and Russia. All that plus podcasts, blogs, and more.

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My workshops and presentations are lively events, with the emphasis on your unique needs. I've worked with clients throughout the US and England, both in person and via Zoom. I love the engaging conversations in my writing workshops; giving keynote addresses and speeches; and being part of a panel discussion.

 

My clients cover a wide gamut of people: business executives, public figures, new writers, and my author peers. Stories matter. Helping others shape their words into compelling prose is one of my specialites.

 

Awards include a grant from the Puffin Foundation, a slot in the prestigious Warner Brothers Comedy Writing Workshop, and being named one of the top 50 movers and shakers in Chicago publishing by The New City Chicago annual "Lit 50." I've been honored by both the Illinois State Library and the State Library of Michigan. I hope someday to receive similar recognition by the State Library of Hawaii.

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I'm a member of The Author's Guild, PEN America, The International Federation of Journalists, and The Society of Midland Authors.

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Chicago is my hometown. I am an avid runner, amateur ukulele player, can recite all the dialog from The Godfather by heart, and am a lifelong fan of the Chicago White Sox which means I don't have to read The Book of Job. I fervently believe in the philosophy of the great Jewish sage, Groucho Marx: "I must say I find television very educational. The minute somebody turns it on, I go into the library and read a good book."