about me

Update on my publishing process-I decided to add critical 2012 updates and am having my book re-edited for publication this year. The chapters on this site have not been updated this year because I haven't had time to load them. To date I have invested $4,000, mostly in editing and copy editing fees. Publishing is expensive.

Read Requests
Though I am generous in honoring read requests I feel this disclaimer must be made:
1. If you ask me to read your work and you don't like what I say, that is fine as it is just my opinion.
2. Secondarily, since this is by far a fiction based web site and I am deluged by folks wanting me to read their novels, but who have little interest in my nonfiction work, don't look a gift horse in the mouth.
3. Do not assume that I will support your book just because you ask. I have to like it. If you are expecting a back rub and for me to tell you how terrific you are, that is not my job.
So for the rest of you who are looking for a genuine analysis, good or bad, and have the cojones to contact me, I still do reads on request.
My Pitch
My first nonfiction book is now complete, at just over 50,000 words (not all of it is on this site) and I am seeking an agent and a publisher. My next nonfiction work is a memoir about my brother, who contracted Type I diabetes at the tender age of 3 and died at 41. It addresses the impact of diabetes on the American landscape, socially and economically. I also have a third project in mind after this one. So, let those calls start coming in!
My Expertise
Ten years ago, I sold my insurance brokerage firm to focus on health care reform. As a part of that process I returned to the university and obtained two masters degrees, one in Health Administration and the other in Public Administration with an emphasis on health policy analysis.
Since that time I have advocated, researched, and published articles about reforming the United States health care system. This book was born after three years of writing a health care blog and the response from my readers.
Since the global view of Americans is that we are all armed to the teeth, I have made it my mission to arm people with understandable information without political motive on health care issues. I firmly believe we can do a better job of stewardship with health care and this book is my contribution to that process.
Why you Need to Read this Book
If any of these circumstances apply, this book has valuable information for you:
1. Have been unable to obtain medical care because you cannot pay for it.
2. Are under treatment for any of the following conditions: breast or ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, or heart disease.
3. Want to know what your birth control options are in any of the 50 states.
4. Wish to learn which hospital has the best record for patient safety in your area.
5. As a visitor to the USA you need medical treatment and want to know where to go for organ transplantation or how to find the best hospitals in all 50 states.
6. Are considering relocating somewhere within the United States and want to know how health care compares for men, women, and children in each state.
7. You want to know how the USA health system compares to other countries.
8. You are considering going off shore to obtain medical treatment and want to learn about quality ratings for medical facilities internationally.
9. You are just trying to figure out how things work in health care in the USA.
The surest way to support democracy is through empowering its citizens with solid information for decision making.

favourite books

Recently, I found the Dalai Lama's book, The Middle Way very powerful. The concept of Bodhichita, the awakening mind helps me to keep the rat race of this life in perspective. Patty Smith's memoir, Just Kids, which reveals her relationship with Mapplethorp (and is really his story as well) sets the bar very high for any other autobiography. It is rare to encounter someone who has committed their entire life to their art and succeeded in engaging the world.
Other nonfiction work I found compelling included:
The Tender Bar, Wonderspot, The Worst Hard Times, The Path to Love, An Open Heart, The Great Deluge, The Looming Tower, A New Earth, Power, Faith, & Fantasy, The History of the Middle East, and last, but not least, Collin Thubron's magnificent The Shadow of the Silk Road. Also,
the Pornography of Power,by Robert Scheer should be required reading in public schools, but of course will never happen in America.
And of course anything by Michael Pollan, including Food Rules; an eaters manual.
Robert Pelton's DP series are excellent as well, not for the faint of heart.

my websites

http://healthpolicymaven.com     http://healthpolicymaven.blogspot.com