I've been a freelance writer and editor since 1991. I've long enjoyed being a generalist, and have written on everything from gardening and food to, alternately, how to buy a used car and where to get a first home loan. It's also included taking on travel assignments. (It doesn't get much better than visiting and then writing about Carnarvon Gorge in Australia, spring festivals in the Cote d'Azur and winter festivals in Quebec.)Gradually, however, my projects have become more specialized. I still like to take on the occasional general assignment feature, but have for several years now been focusing on business, technology and real estate issues. I also have recently branched out to write about a real love of mine: food and cooking. So, you can find all sorts of information about San Diego foodstuff on my blog at www.sandiegofoodstuff.com.
Some topics I've explored recently have been: digital rights and intellectual rights management, what's new in defense contracts, Strong Angel III, the VA's digital health records program, green building and design and landscaping with succulents. I've interviewed a wide range of visionaries, from Craig Newmark of craigslist and Dominique Browning, editor in chief of House & Garden to J. Walker Thompson of Yankelovich and Sarah Susanka, author of The Not So Small House. In August 2001, the coffee-table book I wrote on the San Diego Convention Center's expansion project was published and is on sale through the Convention Center.
So, where have I been published and who have I worked for?
Publications: Los Angeles Times; San Diego Union-Tribune; Silicon Alley Reporter; Sunset; Westways; San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles; Sports in Primary Care; Financial Service Online; Internet Retailer; ID World; Government Computer News; Government Leader; Oncology News International; Biolink Communications; Diversion; HGTV Ideas; Orange Coast; Copley News Service; Nautical World; civic.com; San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles; Entrepreneur Group of Magazines. Collaborated with author Theresa Crenshaw on her book, The Alchemy of Love and Lust (G. P. Putnams Sons). Wrote the text for the San Diego Convention Center Expansion Project book.
Corporate clients: The Walt Disney Company; Deloitte & Touche; PCBC; John Laing Homes; Barratt American; Village Homes; Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute; The Salk Institute; The Gas Technology Institute; ihome.com; KTV Associates (Digital University); San Diego Convention Center Corporation; San Diego County Office of Education; Horizon Computer Resources; The Woman's Institute for Continuing Jewish Education; University of Phoenix; JEMS Communications (American Red Cross newsletter); U.S. Navy; UCSD; University of San Diego; San Diego State University; Deutsche Optik.
Work Life Before Free Lancing
1991 to 1993
Founding Editor, Women's Times, San DiegoI developed the editorial format of what became a (multi) award-winning monthly publication. I had free rein to design editorial department content and, once the paper was up and running, directed all aspects of editorial production, including story development, research, article assignment and editing, and contract negotiations with freelance writers. (All this and gearing up a freelance business too!)
I also interviewed and wrote profiles of people like California Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, Sister Helen Prejean (author of Dead Man Walking), Bella Abzug and San Diego mayor Susan Golding, as well as developed sidebars and, periodically, wrote articles ranging from book reviews to sports features.
1990
Editor, San Diego Executive MagazineI managed all aspects of editorial production, including story development, research, assigning and editing articles, and negotiating writers' contracts and serial rights to books. I created and wrote the Innovations department, which featured new and often unusual companies and products based in San Diego. Periodically, I wrote features for the magazine.
My biggest undertaking that year was to redesign the editorial format for the September 1990 relaunch issue. This redesign earned the Association of Area Business Publications Award for Editorial Excellence/Most Improved Publication.
1989
Editor, The Neighborhood Reporter, San DiegoMy first real editorial gig – I managed the editorial function of a monthly community newspaper. This included developing story ideas; assigning and editing articles and writing a monthly restaurant review and various community-oriented articles.
1983 to 1987
Assistant Managing Editor, News Bureau
Occidental Petroleum Corporation, Los AngelesWorking for "the Doctor"! A dream job for a news junkie, it involved my supervising a staff which produced an executive digest of business and political news circulated twice daily to Occidental offices around the world. I also researched special news requests for senior management, including the ubiquitous Dr. Armand Hammer.
1979 to 1982
Assistant Agent, The William Morris Agency, New YorkHow's this for a first job out of college? I wasn't a boy so I couldn't get a job in the mailroom. Instead, I zipped past the mailboys and got to go straight to the outer office. Within a short time I was working on selling and promoting writers' projects.
My big deals? Negotiating magazine contracts for clients like James Michener, Sid Caesar, A.E. Hotchner and Ed McBain. The biggest deal? Getting into an elevator with Jacqueline Kennedy, Anthony Quinn and Susan Sarandon – together – and being nonchalant about it. It was William Morris after all.
EDUCATION
1975 to 1979
University of California, Los Angeles
B.A., English LiteraturePROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
Co-chair, Journalism Sub-Committee, San Diego Sub-local, National Writers Union
If you'd like more information or have a project in mind you'd like to discuss, please send me an e-mail message (caron@goldenwriting.com) or call (858) 496-0526 – Pacific Time – during business hours.
Copyright ©2007 by Caron Golden. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce or redistribute any material from this site, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from Caron Golden.