The Writings of Phoenix

     I knew at a young age that writing was important to me, I kept a diary from the time I was twelve years old. My passion started with writing poetry as I believe most writing does with girls at a young age. I realized as I continued to write that I had the ability to paint a picture with words, to reach out and connect with the reader. It was at this moment.. I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up…..I wanted to be a writer.

    

    My career started in high school, as my poetry started to get noticed and once one was published, I was offered a position writing for the school newspaper. I continued to study Journalism through out college. Shortly after college I landed a job writing a music gossip column called “What’s Hot” for  Arizona Entertainment paper called  ”Where it’s Hot” owned by Rob Halford (of Judas Priest) and James Keeler (a local guitar player). During my two year tenure I was given many opportunities to be introduced to and pen feature stories on some of the greatest Rock N Roll bands ever. It was a dream come true, to be a young single woman, living in the world of Rock N Roll, with the opportunity to meet remarkable people like Paul and Linda McCartney, or The Rolling Stones it was surreal.

     

    In 1990 I was offered a music editor position by Bob and Mickey Dolezal owners of Fastlane Magazine and The Phoenix Heat. This was an amazing offer to still be able to work in the music industry at the same level but to also have creative control over my own work and the direction of the entire music section for the paper, who could say no to that?

    

    In 1992, I gave birth to my miraculous daughter Mercedes. She was born with a very rare medical condition (which you can read all about under Mercedes’ Story), this brought new opportunities and challenges into my life. I no longer had the same freedom to travel and do music reviews, so I spent the next 10 or so years, focusing on Arizona talent up and coming as well as, reviewing  major concerts that were passing through on tour.

     

    On many levels as the years went by I outgrew writing music reviews, although I never outgrew my love for music, or the thrill of seeing a new incredibly talented band. However  I knew there was another level my writing was meant to excel too. Which brings us to “The Relations of Relationships”, it is a humorous witty and somewhat realistic column about the complexities of relationships, and dating. It possess  just a little bit of the straight talk we all need to hear and poses reflective questions for the reader to ponder.

 

    Dishing it up, is a enjoyable column designed to highlight some of the best restaurants in Arizona. I originally began this column while working for “The Phoenix Heat” as they were looking to be more diversified in what was featured in the magazine. When I began this I specifically was searching for delicious “unknown” restaurants that I could highlight. Before I knew it friends, family co-workers were inundating with tips on restaurants all over the valley, which I will be sharing with you every month.

 

    Coming soon …..will be highlights from my book, which is still a work in progress …. tentatively titled ” Sitting on the Lilly pad”

 

    I hope you enjoy reading my columns, stories, and eventually my book as much as I enjoy writing them for you. I welcome any of your stories you would like to share, all comments on my work, and any ideas for the book.

 

    The final thought I would like to leave you with is…. Be a organ donor give the gift of life.

 

 

 

Phoenix