We're working on converting clips into PDF readable format. Meanwhile, the clips posted here offer a breadth of my freelance writing with some  notes that freelancers might find helpful/useful.

As freelancers, we can write for any publication with this caveat: if you write for several publications in the same region, make sure you know the rules.   In pre-web 1998, a new glossy magazine debuted with my story (1 of 4 pages included here) about an OC A-List couple. When the editor of my main OC freelance gig saw it, she did not like at all...and I do mean 'not at all.'  It's a hunch but my relationship with this editor was never the same after this experience. Another freelancer told me I came very close to being axed. Another 'live & learn' lesson.

However, I'm glad this story appeared in this large-sized glossy & gorgeous magazine because it showcased so well this home design feature about one of the OC's most philanthropic couples. 

Truly an amazing school built by OC's 'glam' film loving community.

This series on Orange County's notable chefs was rooted in a column, Cook's Corner, I pitched successfully to a magazine editor. It ran for 4 years.

'Cook's Corner' was a popular column featured in this regional magazine and probably why the advertising department came up with a version of 'Cook's Corner' that they turned into advertisement disquised as editorial. Very common for magazines to do. For writers, advertorial writing offers another road into publication. I wrote 12 'Chefs of the OC' columns that were 'paid for' advertisements without reading like ads.

Culinary writing must make readers want to make a reservation. This piece did. The owners of this restaurant had it framed in the entry way. The irony is that I wrote this during a tough professional time. I was editor-in-chief of a magazine that placed little value on  writers' skills. Turns out, they just wanted to sell ads. What's ironic is that I did some of my best magazine writing while trying to survive an untenable situation. Obviously, I did survive and more about that 'business lesson' later; for now, just remember that if you're writing about food, aim to make your readers hungry.

This remains a favorite story because I could memoir-ise my daughter's wedding while spotlighting OC's love for everything 'bridal.'  

Back in the 1980's & 90's, Orange County did not baske in 'christian' spirit when it came to AIDS and its victims.  An MD was invited by a conservative christian women's group. I covered it for my neighborhood newspaper. She spoke to a full house about her refusal to treat AIDS patients. I sat in shock listening to the crowd cheer. The dissenters, thank God, included lots of health care professionals. One MD stood up and yelled "So you expect us to turn these patients away?"

She shot back "Yes!" 

I wrapped my editorial around Ryan's death and editorialized about the discrimination of the gay community I'd witnessed that day. Ryan White did much to enlighten; except this crowd chose darkness.       

I'm proud of this piece written in 2001. It ran in Oxygen.com and also in a national sports publication. At the time, I got lots of 'really?' comments from readers who had a hard time believing athletes could be racist on the field. I don't think this would shock people today. We now know people are...on and off the field.  

To my surprise, USA Today called me minutes after I faxed this Op-Ed piece and said they were publishing it.

I replied to a two-page spread on the most lard-laddened diners in the Midwest that ran in 2005. My rant, distilled into about 150 words, touched on our crippling health care system and the burden obesity-caused illnesses levy; appears I was ahead of the times on this one. Of course, the reason why publishers publish what they publish often is as tied to advertisement revenues as to editorial appeal.  Knowing this did not keep my big mouth shut in this essentially 'Can't you do better?' Op-Ed piece directed at USA Today editors.