About Me
Barbara Goodman…me!… is a writer, journalist and educator known for empathy, insight, the ability to capture the essence of an individual in a few key sentences, and a sly sense of humor employed to make sure you don’t wander off before you’re supposed to. My work has been published in the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Time Magazine, and I’ve spent time as a business columnist for American Airline’s in-flight magazine, received the Parenting Publications of America’s award for Best Commentary in a small-circulation periodical, and freelanced as a features writer for many independent publications. I'm also a member of the Society of Professional Obituary Writers, and the author and illustrator of the online series, "Eventually It Starts to Make Sense."
What I love most about writing is what happens before I put my hands on the keyboard: talking to the people I’m writing about. I’m a sucker for meaningful conversation and learning about others’ lives, passions and paths. I also know that few people’s stories follow linear trajectories, so it takes understanding and gentle persuasion (sometimes referred to as “nudging”) to coax that out.
Having lived in nine states and three countries, as well as having the seemingly contradictory backgrounds of an MBA and an MFA, I know writing a great profile employs both left and right brained skills. It also takes the ability to make connections, find the thread of a narrative, and lead a subject to events that matter…even if he or she isn’t sure what those are when we begin the story-telling or profile-writing practice.
To this end, we will work as a team. Right now your life lives in your head; it’s as much a feeling as a history. It’s my job to drag it out of you and put it into words. Generally this is fun; almost always it’s revealing; without a doubt it’s a process that takes thought and honesty to pull off well. Work with me and I guarantee we’ll make beautiful memories together.
What I love most about writing is what happens before I put my hands on the keyboard: talking to the people I’m writing about. I’m a sucker for meaningful conversation and learning about others’ lives, passions and paths. I also know that few people’s stories follow linear trajectories, so it takes understanding and gentle persuasion (sometimes referred to as “nudging”) to coax that out.
Having lived in nine states and three countries, as well as having the seemingly contradictory backgrounds of an MBA and an MFA, I know writing a great profile employs both left and right brained skills. It also takes the ability to make connections, find the thread of a narrative, and lead a subject to events that matter…even if he or she isn’t sure what those are when we begin the story-telling or profile-writing practice.
To this end, we will work as a team. Right now your life lives in your head; it’s as much a feeling as a history. It’s my job to drag it out of you and put it into words. Generally this is fun; almost always it’s revealing; without a doubt it’s a process that takes thought and honesty to pull off well. Work with me and I guarantee we’ll make beautiful memories together.