WRITING

I work regularly for Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS), interviewing new arrivals, including refugees and immigrants, and telling their stories. In April 2019 we launched Making Waves, stories of second-generation immigrants.

In the not-too-distant past, I was a long-time regular contributor to East Coast Living magazine.

And I reviewed cookbooks for Atlantic Books Today.

Journalism

For many years (who’s counting?!) I wrote freelance news and features for local, regional, national, and international publications. Major stints included: Toronto Star Halifax bureau researcher and reporter from 1988 to 1993; Maclean’s magazine interim Atlantic Bureau Chief 1988, and regular contributor for several years. I was also a regular contributor to Atlantic Insight and Atlantic Business magazines; The Atlantic Cooperator and Atlantic Fisherman newspapers; and InterPress News Service. CBC freelance radio broadcaster, and sometimes television researcher, back in the day.

I also did contract writing for various organizations and community groups.

Restaurant reviews

From 2003 to 2008 I was the restaurant reviewer for the now-defunct Daily News in Halifax and from 2009 to 2012 for Metro. The readers had lots to say:

I love your reviews. I can’t wait until Thursday each week. I wonder where she’s eaten now!” – My doctor’s receptionist.

Thank you for your beautiful article last September, it was wonderfully written, we have had a lot of response to the article.” – Happy restaurant owner

“I would like to discuss your review.” – Unhappy restaurant owner

“I want to thank you for your reviews, they are honest and fair as we have eaten at the restaurants you featured. Keep it up; they are great to read.” – Impressed reader

You wouldn’t know a good bowl of fish chowder if it jumped up and bit you! ” – Less impressed reader

“I look forward to every Thursday so I can read your column. It is always an eye-opener, since in the restaurant business you are always being watched. You never know when or if or always you are being critiqued.” – Nervous restaurant worker

“It’s all just lovely, dear.” – My mother