Who Am I?

Through my twenty-five year career in the book publishing industry, I’ve been privileged to wear a number of hats: editor, literary agent, author, and teacher. These days, I seem to switch hats on a regular basis.

I proudly wear the “Author” hat when touting my new book, Elements of the Table: A Simple Guide for Hosts and Guests, published last year by Clarkson Potter/Random House. Journalist A.D. Amorosi of Philadelphia’s City Paper calls me “The First Lady of the Fork” and Publishers Weekly magazine calls me “a more forgiving Miss Manners.” Just being in the same sentence with Miss Manners is a thrill for me — I’m a huge fan of Judith Martin! But I’m not sure I’m really that much more forgiving — I can arch my eyebrow with the best of them!

As the author of Elements of the Table, I regularly give workshops on entertaining, table setting, and dining etiquette to both adults and children. I’ve presented at locations including Williams-Sonoma, Ikea, and Temple University’s Institute for Continuing Studies.

I wear my “Professor” hat these days at Temple University, where I teach in the First Year Writing Program, and Drexel University, where I teach graduate students who are heading for careers in the publishing industry. I also teach several evening book discussion groups at Temple University and elsewhere.

I don my “Editor” cap, which is the most worn-in and comfy one, when I consult through my company, Roseworks Media. I help writers develop new book ideas, write book proposals, and help them shape and improve their manuscripts.

And of course, there are a few small folks out there who call me Mommy. Hi boys! Hey, stop eating with your fingers!