Magazines

I began my magazine career at Atlantic City Magazine, at a time when the city was still figuring itself out; its cast of characters made for some fascinating yarns. In the years since I have written hundreds of stories for national magazines on a wide range of topics, from celebrity to true crime to politics, as well as food, sports, trends, and travel. My favorite stories to write have been, not surprisingly, historical retrospectives—there’s always something the past has to teach us. Here are some of my favorite print magazine pieces.

How Angela Bassett Kept Her Groove

Town & Country, March 2025

The iconic actress dishes on great roles, great advice, and that infamous Oscars side-eye.

The Magic of the Macy’s Parade

Smithsonian, November 2024

How floats, marching bands, and some giant balloons created a cherished annual Thanksgiving event.

Nancy Drew, Reconsidered

Marie Claire, November 2019

The famed teen sleuth, seen through a new lens for a new generation.

The Two Mrs. Trudeaus

Vanity Fair, December 2017

Recounting the wild adventures and second act of the woman who married one Canadian prime minister and birthed another.

The Rebirth of the Golden Door Spa

Bloomberg Businessweek, May 2017

How a fashion executive gave new life to a legendary California resort.

John Grisham

Garden & Gun, October 2016

A Q&A with the master of the legal suspense thriller. 

Celebrity Couples Nominated for Oscars in the Same Year

The Hollywood Reporter, March 2016

What it’s like when famous couples sweat it out during the same ceremony.

The Making of Grease

Vanity Fair, February 2016

As Fox aired a live remake, a look back at the production of the 1978 classic film, with recollections from its director, stars, and others.

Salma Hayek

Elle, November 2015

A brief profile of the fiery actress, part of the magazine’s annual “Women in Hollywood” issue. 

The Exclusive Philadelphia Club Everyone Wants to Join

Philadelphia Magazine, August 2015

Undercover at the Lombard Swim Club, the pool everyone strives to swim in.

Revisiting Harper Lee’s Hometown

Departures, July 2015

On the eve of the publication of the author’s new book, a visit to the Alabama burg that served as the inspiration for To Kill a Mockingbird.

A Wry History of Golf Fashion

ESPN The Magazine, May 2014

The highs and lows of golf style at The Ryder Cup. 

America’s First Great Travelogue

Vanity Fair, May 2013

How Holiday magazine stoked post-war America’s yearn for travel.

The Timeless Allure of Rebecca

Town & Country, November 2012

A brief valentine to DuMaurier’s classic tale of gothic romance and intrigue.

The Unique Challenge of Raising Special-Needs Kids

Good Housekeeping, July 2011

A deeply personal essay about my sister-in-law, Jean, and the daily, selfless heroism she displays while raising two autistic sons.

The Making of The Philadelphia Story

Philadelphia Magazine, December 2010

Celebrating the 70^th anniversary of a cinema classic. 

New Jersey’s Most Bitter Divorce

Philadelphia Magazine, August 2008

Ringside at the divorce trial of former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey and his wife, Dina, a court case that was the very definition of “messy.”

The Odd World of Golf Art

Golf Digest Index, Spring 2008

Paintings, sculptures, and iconic photographs of courses and players can command museum-worthy prices.

The Untold Story of Peyton Place

Vanity Fair, March 2006

How Grace Metalious’s bombshell 1956 book changed American publishing—and created the “trashy novel.”