Freelance Portfolio
I’ve published hundreds of freelance pieces in newspapers, magazines, and online and I’ve included some of them here, as well as links to my books. They range from first-person essays to travel pieces to more journalistic subjects. Print samples of these and many other published pieces are available. (And I own all the reprint rights, should you publishers be hunting for piquant content.)
Write Word Books & Stories
Descriptions and links to my novels, short story collection and nonfiction
“how-to” writing book, and my newest: a memoir of my crazed shoplifting business over my high school years. Plus a couple of story samples.
Travel
Beyond the Vines: Paso Robles’ Playground of Lights, Bites, and Delights
Sure, sure, you know you can get a decent glass of wine in Paso Robles. Heck, you can get two hundred glasses of decent wine. But there’s so much more that’s fine about Paso than wine. Published in October 2024 on Dave’s Travel Corner.
How to Have a Fairytale Trip to Malta—Without a Single Tourist Trap
Order up twelve additional sets of eyes: Malta is an eye-popping place. SO much history, so much Mediterranean, so many Aperol Spritzes. Dig it! Published in August 2024 on Thrillist.
All the Pretty Horses
The marvel that was seeing, over and over again, the “wild” horses on Vieques island during our Puerto Rico house-sit. They are everywhere, and they are beautiful. Published in April 2024 on Globetrotters, the Medium travel site.
Hawaii Hike: Big Island Slopes, Sand and Incredible Sandwiches—and Mai Tais
I know, the headline seems to say it all, but it doesn’t: the goodies—about a sensational hike on the Big Island and a rewarding lunch afterward in the charming town of Hawi—are in the details. And the details are delicious. Published in March 2024 in the San Jose Mercury News.
In the Wake of Legacy
My account of the remarkable refurbishing and outfitting of a legendary vessel: the Western Flyer, piloted by John Steinbeck and Doc Ricketts in 1940 down to Baja, and immortalized in The Log from the Sea of Cortez. Immortal the Flyer may be: it sank twice, but is gleaming once again, repurposed as a marine research vessel, and back in its legacy Monterey waters. Published in the March 2024 issue of Power and Motoryacht Magazine.
What to Expect When Driving Overseas
You’ll never need coffee when driving in a foreign country—because your heart will be hammering so hard you’ll stay awake for days. Some stories about road calamities I’ve witnessed (and committed) on house-sits overseas. Published in November 2023 in the New Zealand Herald.
Diving into Life: Airstream Ventures Beyond the Waves
Accomplished moviemaker and marine photographer Markus Davids has led an extraordinary life of world travel and adventure—and caught much of it on camera. With the help of an Airstream, he’s transitioning into longer, land-based trips, but the lively camera remains. Published in the Winter 2023 edition of Airstream Life magazine. (c) 2023 Airstream Life, published with permission.
They arrived to housesit amid 2 dogs and 16 cats. What could go wrong?
Well, as the headline hints, plenty. But much worse than we would have thought. Published in July 2023 in The Washington Post.
Aluminia Keeps Airstreams on Top in the Land Down Under
The enterprising and energetic Chloe McConchie took a fascination with America’s (mostly vintage) Airstream trailers and built a business on importing and refurbishing them for the Australian market. She makes the long miles and challenging regulations into shiny smiles. Published in the Summer 2023 edition of Airstream Life magazine. (c) 2023 Airstream Life, published with permission.
Reviving History Takes Traveling Bones
Charter members of the Vintage Airstream Club and heads of the celebrated Tin Can Tourists organization talk all things vintage RV—the rigs, the rallies, the camaraderie. Published in the Summer 2023 edition of Airstream Life magazine. (c) 2023 Airstream Life, published with permission.
A Historical and Affectionate Marriage: Airstreams and Jack Daniel’s
There’s an Airstream “campground” at Jack Daniels for dignitaries and boozers. And I feel affection for them both, since my office is an Airstream, and I’ve entertained many a bottle of Jack. Published in the Summer 2022 edition of Airstream Life magazine. (c) 2022 Airstream Life, published with permission.
Irish Distilleries Will Have Their Whiskey Way with You
I haven’t made it to Ireland—yet. But many of their fine whiskeys have made their way to me. If you’re on your way to the fabled old sod, here are some of their distilleries that will amply host your thirst. Published in March 2022 on the fine spirits blog known as Flaviar.
Mardi Gras Comes Home (Your Home, That Is)
New Orleans has a storied history of cocktail-making and good cheer. Mardi Gras combines both, but you can stage a mini-Mardi Gras at home. Published in March 2022 on the fine spirits blog known as Flaviar.
The Argosy Is More Than Pretty in Pink
Renata George is a venture capitalist, teacher and world traveler. In her spare time (?) she expertly refurbishes Argosies, a rare line of vintage Airstreams. Published in the Winter 2021 edition of Airstream Life magazine. (c) 2021 Airstream Life, published with permission.
A Dazzling Invitation to Johnnie Walker Whiskeys Opens in Edinburgh
The Johnnie Walker folks have built in Edinburgh what can only be described as a whisky temple: eight stories of history, tastings, consultations and drams. Many drams. Published in November 2021 on the fine spirits blog known as Flaviar.
On the Things You Carry and the Things You Leave
The objects and objectives of travel are subject to mysterious forces — and sometimes cosmic jokes. Published in October 2021 in the Bold Italic.
A Caravan to the Castle
Airstreaming in the UK has some parallels to road-tripping in the US, but it’s not nearly as easy to go castle-hopping here. Published in the Fall 2021 edition of Airstream Life magazine. (c) 2021 Airstream Life, published with permission.
Big Sur: Beauty and Bliss in My Own Backyard
I’ve stayed in a number of striking places overseas, but my neighbor just down the street, Big Sur, is second to none for captivation and beauty. Published in October 2021 in the Bold Italic.
Hawaii: 7 spectacular waterfalls turn the Big Island misty
No travel out of California for me for a year and a half, so Hawaii seemed like heaven. Which it pretty much is. Eight days in the Hilo surrounds on the Big Island, including a lot of tramping about beguiling waterfalls. Published in August 2021 in the San Jose Mercury News.
Five Ways to Get Splashy in Santa Cruz
It’s no secret: Santa Cruz CA sits preening on the big, blue Pacific. There is lots to do on top of, in and under those waters. Published in June 2021 in the San Jose Mercury News.
Bay Area hikes: Devil’s Slide Trail, near Pacifica
The landslides lost are our gain: After many closings of Highway 1 over many years, the old highway was turned into a hiking trail with dazzling ocean views. And then you can go to the Louvre of Taco Bells. Published in March 2021 in the San Jose Mercury News.
Scuba Volunteers Still There for Monterey Bay Aquarium Animals Amid COVID
The Monterey Bay Aquarium has a long history of dedicated volunteerism. The COVID crisis has closed it to the public since last March, but the multitude of animals still need care. See how the dive staff and volunteers keep the lights on. Published in February 2021 by Scuba Diving magazine.
Trail Mix: San Juan Bautista hike and lunch — distanced but delightful
Goldurnit, traveling is tough these days—lucky there are some places nearby that still hold intrigue. My piece on a hike on a historic trail and lunch and street-hopping in the equally historic Mission town of San Juan Bautista. Published in January 2021 in the San Jose Mercury News.
Writing
Best Writing Tip: Fail Better
A short piece on moving on from writing rejections. And moving better on a path to publication. Published on The Writers College (New Zealand), in August 2023.
Story Structure Goes to Clown College
Using a Mad-Libs style of “fill in the next sentence,” I entreat readers to use my prompt sentences based on a crazy quilt of traditional writing structures to build a story. Chaos ensues. Published by the fine folks at WriterUnboxed in November 2022.
Persistence Pays the Weary Writer
Write a book? Seems impossible. Write a book in half-hour increments, watching and working your progress over time? Seems possible. Quite. Published on one of my favorite writing/publishing info sites, Jane Friedman, in September 2022.
Scrivener Puts Ten Sets of Eyes on a Book
How to use Scrivener’s extensive organizational tools to reduce the complexities of writing a book. Sift, sort, shake out—works for writing recipes of all kinds. Scroll down a bit on the newsletter to get to my tale. Published on the always helpful Funds for Writers in September 2022.
This Pretty Much (Book) Covers It
The evolution of book cover design, covering the text and image exchanges between me and a NY design team, working on the cover for my shoplifting memoir. Published by the fine folks at WriterUnboxed in June 2022.
Characters in Motion (Keep Readers in Motion)
How using the structure of a road trip, with encounters with unexpected characters, cultures and places, can work well for novel development. I provide explanations of brief examples, including my own. (Well, my own isn’t that brief, but hey, it’s my essay.) Published by the fine folks at WriterUnboxed in November 2021.
Purple Prose and the Word Surgeon’s Scalpel
Unconsciously using too many “justs,” “verys,” “actuallys,” and other fluff evildoers in your prose? Cast them out! And those big words too. (Well, not all of them. Some are fetching.) Published by the fine folks at WriterUnboxed in August 2021.
The Fictions of Our Minds
Hope this doesn’t read simply as a “woe is me” essay, when the woes of the world now have been legion. Thoughts on whether it’s been worth it pursuing writing for a living (and only catching its tail—or tale—now and then). Published by the fine folks at WriterUnboxed in May 2021.
Writing Habits: 9 No-Burnout Practices During a Recession
Ahh, 2020, a vintage year … of anxiety and wretchedness. Writers were not spared. But there are some methods to take some of the pain away, and even brighten your day. Try some! Published in December 2020 on the excellent Make a Living Writing site.
Mark Twain and My Neighbor Swap Books in Heaven
The odd and even tender connections between a dead neighbor, a first-edition Mark Twain short story and a Zen meditation class 40 years ago. Published by An Idea on Medium, November 2020.
Alcohol
Beyond the Vines: Paso Robles’ Playground of Lights, Bites, and Delights
Sure, sure, you know you can get a decent glass of wine in Paso Robles. Heck, you can get two hundred glasses of decent wine. But there’s so much more that’s fine about Paso than wine. Published in October 2024 on Dave’s Travel Corner.
A Historical and Affectionate Marriage: Airstreams and Jack Daniel’s
There’s an Airstream “campground” at Jack Daniels for dignitaries and boozers. And I feel affection for them both, since my office is an Airstream, and I’ve entertained many a bottle of Jack. Published in the Summer 2022 edition of Airstream Life magazine. (c) 2022 Airstream Life, published with permission.
Finishing Touches
Spirits producers can’t let their products rest. At least completely rest, until they put them in a barrel that had some other spirit (or some odd concoction) in it. The practice known as barrel finishing is making new rounds, and sometimes with some unusual barrels. Published in March 2022 in Craft Spirits Magazine.
Irish Distilleries Will Have Their Whiskey Way with You
I haven’t made it to Ireland—yet. But many of their fine whiskeys have made their way to me. If you’re on your way to the fabled old sod, here are some of their distilleries that will amply host your thirst. Published in March 2022 on the fine spirits blog known as Flaviar.
Mardi Gras Comes Home (Your Home, That Is)
New Orleans has a storied history of cocktail-making and good cheer. Mardi Gras combines both, but you can stage a mini-Mardi Gras at home. Published in March 2022 on the fine spirits blog known as Flaviar.
A Dazzling Invitation to Johnnie Walker Whiskeys Opens in Edinburgh
The Johnnie Walker folks have built in Edinburgh what can only be described as a whisky temple: eight stories of history, tastings, consultations and drams. Many drams. Published in November 2021 on the fine spirits blog known as Flaviar.
What One Distillery Did To Gain A New Whiskey Still With A Grand History
My piece on Stumpy’s Spirits, a small Illinois distillery that recently bought a large amount of 100-year-old still components—from Belgium, off the internet—and has reconstructed them for their own use. These guys did a whole lotta work. Published in August 2021 by the WhiskeyWash newsletter.
Scotch and Bourbon: The Essential and the Essence
Scotch and Bourbon—brothers, right? Perhaps, but definitely not twins. This looks at the differences in grains, distilling, proof and aging. Bottoms up. Published in August 2021 on the fine spirits blog known as Flaviar.
Cocktails During the Pandemic: Bitter and Sweet
Hunkering down with my galpal during the pandemic made for some fancy cocktailing, with wistfulness one of the main mixers. (After reading this again, I don’t like how overwritten the first two paragraphs feel, but it’s out there, now. Good lesson in developing crisper intros.) Published in May 2021 on The Bold Italic.
Whiskey History Revived As Leopold Bros. Goes Old School With 3-Chamber Still
A piece on a Colorado distillery that commissioned a modern still from 19th-century designs that—with great care and attention—produces whiskey with flair and flavor. Published in May 2021 by the WhiskeyWash newsletter.
Brother’s Bond: Bourbon Is Thicker Than Blood
Who knew that vampires prefer bourbon to blood? The former stars of “The Vampire Diaries,” Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley, make a bourbon. And they are mighty serious about it. Published in April 2021 by the WhiskeyWash newsletter.
The Whiskey Of Pennsylvania Is Something To Take Note Of
Like your whiskey mixed with your history? Here’s a piece of mine on Pennsylvania rye (and though only a bit wry, the article has some deeply distilled history). The first Penn rye guys are from way back and the new craft distillers work from there. (By the way, my suggested headline, “Catchers in the Pennsylvania Rye” was way better.) Published in March 2021 by the WhiskeyWash newsletter.
Spirits Of French Lick: Tasting History In The Whiskey
Fascinating interview with an Indiana distiller who is a warehouse’s worth of information on distilling history and practices. For instance, he hunts out old yeasts from long-defunct distilleries to add punch to his whiskies. Published in February 2021 by the WhiskeyWash newsletter.
Chatting with the Bourbon Sasquatch
Me on a video chat with the Emperor of All Things Bourbon (AKA Steve Akley) on one of his many podcasts. I’m in my ’66 Airstream office, blathering about shoplifting, Las Vegas, and yes, whiskey. Published in January 2022.
Science, Life, Laughter
The Robot Way to Productivity and Good Health
How my being a robot (in so many ways) is actually a means to freedom and creativity. Scroll down the page to see my robot work. Published in one of the July 2023 issues of the Further newsletter on the art of midlife reinvention.
A Message from the Deep
An odd account of a dream visit by my high school sweetheart years after her unexplained death that offered an explanation. Perhaps. Published in the 2022 “Miracles and the Unexplainable” edition of a Chicken Soup for the Soul collection.
A Wiseguy Loses His Wisdom Teeth
I had a spectacular misunderstanding at the dentist many years ago. Let’s just say I became a little, just a smidge, paranoid. Published in October 2021 in the An Idea (by Ingenious Piece).
Oddments, Shorts and Whimsies
A compendium of my flash-fiction, poems and hard-to-categorize fancies, many of them bite-size amusements. Published in September 2021 on Medium.
How Tiny Ocean Microorganisms Could Kill Your Plastic Fork
I wrote this Popular Mechanics piece about Newlight, an interesting company that “harvests” a plastic-like but organic material, PHB, from microorganisms that consume methane and CO2 and produce the polymer. The material can be shaped into all kinds of things, from straws to sunglasses, and it degrades naturally in the ocean without harm. Their production processes (and every single product path) are all recorded in a blockchain, and it’s all carbon-negative. Published in May 2021 on Popular Mechanics magazine.
Acid Rain Isn’t Always What You Think It Is
Woodstock it wasn’t. But they did drop LSD from the sky (with predictable results). My addle-brained account of an infamous 1970 Southern California “Christmas Happening” concert. Published by An Idea on Medium, January 2021.
Living Life (and Finding Life) Through Time’s Long Lens
A guy who is an expert on duck calls, rare palm trees, vintage eyeglasses and vintage birding books happens to be the son of Airstream’s most famous photographer. And he ain’t no slouch in the lens department himself. Published in the Winter 2020 edition of Airstream Life magazine. (c) 2016 Airstream Life, published with permission.
Why the 4468 Mallard Is Such a Badass Train
The speed record for the world’s fastest steam train is held by the Mallard. Set in 1938, at 126mph. Still the record today—that’s steaming. Published in September 2020 on Popular Mechanics magazine.
More Science, Life, Laughter →
Business
Freelance Writing Funk? 3 Mindless Productivity Hacks from a Pro
How scribbling a few vivid words or phrases—“word seeds”— on a story or article idea can prompt your brain to work on expanding them, often to a rich level, while you dawdle. Published in February 2020 on the excellent Make a Living Writing site.
Texas Banker Teaches Classes on Painting Your Pet
Another script I wrote for Chris Guillebeau’s Side Hustle podcast, where he discusses people who have started successful and often fascinating side jobs. This one profiles a Texas woman who was a banker and MBA graduate who had a mild interest in art, leading to her teaching art in school districts to teaching dynamic painting classes on the side. And the popularity of those classes exploded. Published in November 2019 on the Side Hustle School.
Bioreactors to the Rescue in Polluted California Wetlands
A coastal bioreactor system built in the central California wetlands proves promising for removing water pollutants and restoring biodiversity—without undue cost. Published in September 2019 by Hakai magazine.
Friends Build Water Filtration System for Outdoor Hydration
Another script I wrote for Chris Guillebeau’s Side Hustle podcast, where he discusses people who have started successful and often fascinating side jobs. This one profiles two pals who developed small, portable filtration systems for boating crews, outdoor recreational enthusiasts and others to provide water free of bacteria and other contaminants. Used with refillable containers, saves the environment from plastic water bottles too. Published in May 2019 on the Side Hustle School.