Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Two Birds Author Services
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Tell us a little about yourself!
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I grew up in Southern California but have called Oklahoma home for a long time now. Reading has always been a big part of my life, as well as writing. My degree is in Communications – Media Analysis. After working corporate jobs for many years (including stints at an airline reservation system company, a bank, and a job in the operations department of Barnes & Noble in NY), I opted for self-employment instead. I’ve been editing with Michele since 2018—she is the best biz partner a person could have.
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What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
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I love reading, although I’m a slow reader. I also write. I have a few books out and write a weekly nonfiction Substack newsletter to hone my skills. In the evenings I like watching old sitcoms or mysteries while working on a knitting project. Yes, I knit. It has probably saved my sanity! There are many artists in my family, and I love to create all kinds of things. Just don’t ask me to cook.
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What do you enjoy about helping authors on their publishing journey?
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Helping writers progress through their author journey is one of the best things ever. Maybe an edit or suggestion will provide an “aha moment” for someone and open up new possibilities or ideas. It makes me so happy to see people put out books they’re proud of.
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Do you have any literary pet peeves?
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Oh, I’m sure I have a few… I’m not a fan of using too many adverbs, for example, or too much word repetition. But those are personal preferences – if adverbs are your thing, go for it!
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I listen to a lot of audiobooks, which can be an interesting exercise in processing literature in a different way. Sometimes things stand out when you hear them, and maybe not so much when you read them. Or vice versa.
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If I can get out of editor mode enough to enjoy a story, I consider that a good book!
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What are some of your favorite authors, and why?
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I love Sue Grafton. She’s witty and sardonic, and amazing at detailed descriptions. Great plot twists, too. Noir mysteries from Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammet are favorites too. And T. Jefferson Parker, another mystery writer.
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I also love Carl Hiaasen. He’s so over-the-top, it’s hilarious! At the same time, he fits in plenty of social commentary in an unapologetic way. Funny, smart, and brave (although sometimes he uses too many adverbs, lol! If you meet him please don’t tell him I said that.)
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The best book I’ve read recently was Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt.
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Anything else you’d like our authors to know about you?
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If you looked up “introvert” in the dictionary, my picture would be there. Well, it would probably be a picture of me holding my hands up over my face. But it would be there.
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I am grateful every time an author lets me help them with their book. And when I get to work with clients more than once, as they write a series or start a new project, it’s a privilege to create a relationship of trust and honesty that benefits everyone.
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Have questions about the editing process? We’d love to chat with you and help you figure out your next steps. Contact us to set up a free sample edit.
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