Bio
I am a freelance writer, commercial helicopter pilot, blogger, and amateur photographer.
Most of my writing centers around Macintosh and Windows how-to computer books. My book topics include business and productivity software such as Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Entourage, and Outlook) and FileMaker Pro; Web publishing software such as WordPress, Adobe PageMill, and Claris Home Page (two of which are now defunct); social networking services such as Twitter; financial software such as QuickBooks and Quicken; and operating system software such as Mac OS. I also write, narrate, and create video training materials and write electronic books. My current publishers include Peachpit Press (a division of Pearson Education), Quicken Press (an imprint of McGraw-Hill Professional), and Lynda.com.
I have written numerous reviews and articles for computer magazines and professional journals, both in print and online, including Informit.com, Peachpit.com, FileMaker Pro Advisor, Mac Addict, Mac Design (formerly Mac Today), NetProfessional, Computer User, MacWEEK (now published online only), MacUser (now part of Macworld), and BBS (no longer published).
I have developed Web sites, Web pages, and blogs for small and medium sized organizations. My pet project, a “labor of love,” is wickenburg-az.com, a Web site that provides up-to-date information about my adopted home town of Wickenburg, AZ. I am also Webmaster for Flying M Air, LLC, Flying M Productions, Maria’s Guides, and N&W Associates.
I am an occasional participant on the MacJury podcast, and have appeared a number of times on other podcasts, including MacVoices and WordCast Conversations.
As a commercial helicopter pilot, I am the owner/operator of Flying M Air, LLC, which offers helicopter tours, charters, aerial photography flights, multi-day excursions and cherry drying services throughout the western United States. My company was featured in an article in the May 2009 issue of Arizona Highways magazine and the April 2004 issue of Flying magazine, as well as in the Jon Davison coffee table book, Robbie: The Robinson Helicopter Experience. It was highlighted in the August 2009 issue of Arizona Highways as “The best way to see Arizona in a week.”
I use my writing skills to write articles for aviation magazines such as Aircraft Owner, HeliNews, Sport Aviation, Southwest Aviator, and American Flyways. I also edit and produce the Exploring Arizona by Helicopter newsletter for Flying M Air.
In the past, I also:
- Addressed computer users and professionals at conferences such as Macworld Expo, user group meetings, online chats, and book signings.
- Wrote software documentation.
- Created custom FileMaker Pro database solutions.
- Developed applications training material.
- Taught software applications and hardware troubleshooting in a classroom environment.
- Developed and taught software applications for online universities.
- Provided general consulting services.
- Produced the newsletter, Macintosh Tips & Tricks for Giles Road Press (now Flying M Productions).
- Conducted helicopter tours at the Grand Canyon for Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters.
- Held various full-time jobs as an auditor and financial analyst with Automatic Data Processing (ADP) and The New York City Office of the Comptroller.
My hobbies and interests keep me away from my computers as much as possible. I enjoy flying, photography, travel, reading, horseback riding, motorcycling, camping, and gardening.
I received a BBA with highest honors in Accounting from Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY in May 1982.