Born and raised in San Francisco in 1960s, 70s, 80s. B.A. degree in English (Mark Twain, thesis) at University of California, Berkeley. After several jobs in food service found editorial work in trade magazines, wrote freelance articles. Became a marketing and communications writer for Adobe, Deloitte, and San Jose State University. Ordained non-denominational minister, officiated at weddings and other events for 15 years. Wrote The Wedding Officiant's Guide: How to Write and Conduct a Perfect Ceremony (Chronicle Books), currently in second edition. Earned MFA in creative writing and wrote Helen & The Masters: A Portrait of a California Mystic. Currently writing a biography of 19th century American novelist, Julie P. Smith.