This Beginning Is Really The Middle

This is the first post of a new blog and so it is the beginning...and yet it feels more like the middle to me.

I'm a professional writer; my work is routinely in print. Still, people who know me often say, "You should start a blog." It's flattering that these people would like to read more of my work, to hear more of what I have to say. But to this suggestion I have typically scoffed in protest: "I don't want to give my work away for free!" But here's the thing: I always have more to say than space to say it in. Magazines and newspapers only have so many pages and, these days especially, editors only have so much money. So I start this blog to give myself more room for extra bits that don't seem to fit anywhere else. (If it leads to some sort of payday, all the better.)

I write about travel, food, wine and spirits. In the course of my research, so far I've been to 34+ countries on four continents. I've served as a judge at food and wine competitions. I've been a restaurant reviewer for several magazines and two different newspapers in Atlanta, Georgia, which is where I'm lucky enough to live. I routinely meet chefs, winemakers, distillers, restaurateurs, sommeliers, hoteliers and other celebrated experts.

This blog is an extension of my work, which has been in progress for a few years now. Still, I've still got a long way to go before I feel like I've really "made it." In that sense this blog is a beginning because you can help by subscribing and inviting others to join, too. Thanks!