I’m a Chicago writer, reporter and editor. My past gigs have included the storied City News Bureau (“If your mother says she loves you, check it out”), Reuters and Bloomberg News. I was the transportation columnist for both the Chicago Sun-Times and the Chicago Tribune. In 2017, Chicago Review Press published my biography of author Nelson Algren, “Algren: A Life.” It won the Society of Midland Authors award for best biography, and the Chicago Writers Association award for best non-fiction.
I was born in Elgin, but have spent most of my life in Chicago, mostly on the Northwest Side. A few years ago, I left full-time journalism to become communications director for the Circuit Court of Cook County. But I continue to write, edit and teach. I’m a regular contributor of book and theater reviews and features for Newcity Magazine, and also write for Chicago Magazine and StreetsBlog. I teach classes on journal writing at the Newberry Library, and have taught creative nonfiction at Northwestern University in their MFA program.
I’m currently on the board of the Society of Midland Authors and the Nelson Algren Committee. I’m also a cantor and choir member.
