I joined the high school newspaper as a freshman, went on to graduate from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism and spent years as a daily newspaper editor before becoming executive editor of Yachting magazine. After more than three years in that job, I left in 2003 to follow my passion and become a full-time freelance writer and editor.

My primary area of expertise is luxury travel by boat, and in 2012, I published my ninth book, "Little Boy Blue: A Puppy's Rescue from Death Row and His Owner's Journey for Truth." It let me combine my journalism experience with my desire to help all dogs live better lives. In May 2016, my second dog book will be released. Its title is "The Dog Merchants: Inside the Big Business of Breeders, Pet Stores and Rescuers."