I am:

  • A proud husband (25 years and counting) and happy father (two grown sons).
  • A musician who plays guitar professionally with the Sarah Burnell Band and jams regularly (guitar, voice and mandolin, along with a little banjo and harmonica) with friends.
  • A keen recreational athlete (hockey, ultimate, tennis) who thrives on physical activity and trips that involve biking, hiking and canoeing, and who loves to compete but believes that ultimately, whoever has the most fun wins.
  • A seeker restlessly drawn to learn more and go deeper. When it comes to meaning, I’m comfortable with mystery; I prefer grey to black-and-white. I’m suspicious of those who are apparently convinced that they’ve figured it all out.

My blog features entries about my views on writing and communications, anecdotes from my career in television news and current affairs, and stories about music.

What I believe

Good writing connects people: ideas link writer and reader. Writing well requires critical analysis of the intended audience: what do they already know about the intended topic? How do they feel about it? What do they expect, doubt, love and fear about it? While none of the answers need be explicitly included in the piece, they absolutely must inform it.

Stories have a unique power to engage and inspire; they often frame our understanding of people, events and eras. While some people remember relevant facts, larger stories—properly told—are much more memorable and enduring.

My blog features entries about my views on writing and communications, anecdotes from my career in television news and current affairs, and stories about music.