WRITING
STRENGTHS
I became a professional writer in college, earning my first paycheck as
such during a summer internship with the Springfield (MO) Daily
News/Leader & Press in 1970.
I have since worked in every medium -- wire service, newspapers, radio,
television, public relations, magazines, books, video scripts, webpages
-- even a self-syndicated magazine column. That variety also has led me
into coverage of almost every topic imaginable, from college and
professional sports to billion-dollar civil lawsuits to prison riots, space launches, computer hardware/software, gambling, politics, entertainment, business (large and small) and more.
I am known for my ability to conduct strong interviews with anyone,
from project engineers to athletes to four-star generals to the most
senior government officials - including those of other nations around
the globe. Of equal importance to gaining the trust and cooperation of
such diverse subjects is my ability to "translate" what they say into
articles that meet the specific needs of any given publication, from
high tech to general circulation, without losing or abusing the actual
words of the person interviewed. I am proud to say I have never been
accused of misquoting or taking something out of context.
EDITING STRENGTHS
Four years as a regional staff editor for United Press International
mandated speed and accuracy in reviewing and editing tens of thousands
of words of copy every day. These skills were further refined in later
years as I edited four magazines (Today's Officer, CompuWeb, AeroWeb
and DefenseWeb) and three books (the 1997-98-99 editions of Defence
& Security Review).
The magazines and books also provided experience in selecting the right
writers for each assignment, choosing the topics to be covered and the
approach to be taken, developing coherent themes for each issue, making
certain others met their deadlines and giving the overall publication a
common voice, without negating the individual styles of the writers.
While much of my recent work has been centered around aerospace,
defense and computers, my overall background as a writer is
sufficiently broad-based - and my ability to absorb new information
and comprehend new subjects repeatedly demonstrated - to give me a
rare versatility in writing about or editing articles involving any
subject.
Working from my home office (and using a T1-level high speed cable connection), I can work through large volumes of material with great
speed. For my own work, I use the latest edition of Word Perfect, but
can accept or submit copy in any word processor format.
I have worked as an editor on both print and online publications (as
well as video scripts) and feel quite comfortable in any format.
ASSIGNMENTS SOUGHT
Given my eclectic background, I am open to almost any feature article
or book assignment. I am not interested in writing news briefs or daily
items nor am I looking for a full-time staff position - unless it is
possible to telecommute.
That said, I am and have for many years been listed on numerous
international magazine mastheads as a "contributing editor" or
"correspondent" - the modern "permanent" non-staff position.
I have reached that point in my career where I do not need to accept
every assignment offered - and I certainly am under no pressure to
accept low- or slow-paying projects. For the speed, quality and
versatility offered, reasonable payment will be required.
Based in Las Vegas, I also am available to cover some of the 5000+
conventions here every year.
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