My Biography

The 1926 Underwood in the background was a college gift from my parents. I keep it around in case of a power outage. Photo by: Krysta S. Doerfler

Born and raised in Ohio, I studied literature and creative writing at the University of Kentucky. I graduated with honors in 1978 and immediately went to work as a carpenter. I set out to learn the trade partly because I enjoyed the work and partly because I thought it wise to acquire a marketable skill. But I was aware, too, that the world of construction might provide a wealth of material for my writing.

I worked at the carpenter’s trade for eight years, doing strictly residential work, but dividing my time between new construction and renovation. When forced to specialize, I chose finish work. My preference, however, was to work for smaller companies where I could be involved in every phase of a project—foundation, framing, roofing, finish, etc.

After I had reached the point where I could call myself a carpenter without qualifying the term, I began to feel badly that I had neglected my writing for so long. I was working in Portland, Maine at the time, and I noticed an ad in Fine Homebuilding for a technical journalist. I had long been a reader, in fact working for the magazine had become something of a pipe dream—a chance to combine the two main interests of my life. I applied for the job and got it. I began as an assistant editor in 1986, worked my way up through the ranks, and took over as editor in 1992.