Writer and Editor; Self-Empoyed
John Birdsall is a seasoned writer and editor with extensive experience in food and culture journalism. Since April 2013, John has been self-employed, contributing to notable publications such as Lucky Peach, Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal Magazine, Saveur, Food&Wine, and Bon Appétit. In January 2018, John co-wrote the book "Hawker Fare," published by Ecco/HarperCollins. Prior to self-employment, John served as a Senior Editor at CBS Interactive from October 2011 to September 2016, and held writing and editing roles at SF Weekly and East Bay Express. John earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Language and Literature from the University of California, Berkeley.
Writer and Editor; Self-Empoyed
Karen wrote and recently sold a feature screenplay. The project is in development with an independent producer. She is the author of five self help books on family and relationship issues, such as, sexuality, alcoholism, divorce and moving beyond dysfunction. Her books have won awards and have been translated into Spanish, Russian, Chinese and Braille. She created and line-produced three videos also marketed worldwide: a children’s aerobic program, an exercise/play tape for pre-school-aged children and a peer counseling session for teens. Her current portfolio consists of six completed screenplays and a completed novel. Other projects are in various stages of development. As the former Corporate Head of a $5M Food & Beverage Department at a racetrack and casino with 187 staff in her charge, Karen brings a uniquely positive spin to the creative process. Her cognizance of financial concerns helps get the most out of both budgets and stories. She is the recipient of an International Cultural Diploma of Honor from the Biographical Institute at Cambridge, England. Karen lives on the central coast of California with her husband, Bill, whose private security career includes protecting many high profile clients, traveling on assignment throughout the world and contracts in Sudan and Djibouti, Africa.