My Writing Life

I strive for precise, powerful storytelling in all of my writing. That includes essays, poems, plays, and 22 books, most notably The Perilous Journey of the Donner Party and the many business histories I created as the founder of CorporateHistory.net. Currently I focus on short-form creative writing and teaching. My work has been broadcast on NPR, produced at local theaters, and published in venues ranging from The New York Times to Italian Americana. Since 2005 I’ve led writing workshops at the Montclair (NJ) Public Library. Other passions: musical theater, jazz, Steely Dan, cats, Italy, the editing process, competitive Scrabble®, and life in New Jersey. Rutgers grad. Authors Guild member. My blog, The Practical Mourner, is about engaging with life after the loss of a loved one.