Writing Background:
As a high school student, Greg wrote a regular column for the school paper and served as an Editor. He also served as Editor-in-Chief of the school's literary magazine. As a college student, he served as an intern in the Press office of a U.S. Senator. Since then, he has co-authored three BOOKS. On the night of his 30th birthday, Loews Cineplex Entertainment held a special Sneak Preview premiere of a film based on his first screenplay. In some instances, he has served as Writer-in-Residence or Scholar-in-Residence at a school or college -- working with students who are interested in writing. Along the way, he has written guest columns, feature profiles and cover stories for a wide variety of daily and weekly newspapers, magazines, academic and alumni publications published in the US, Canada and Africa.
Topics Covered (Writing):
Guest Columns: The topics have included ones like: the impact of labels and stereotypes, to the wisdom of grandparents, talking with students about the ramifications of 9-11, the internal strength of those who deal with physical obstacles, and redefining "success" in business.
Feature Stories / Cover Profiles: They have chronicled the life and/or work of notable figures in different fields such as: art, agriculture, athletics, comedy, entertainment, media, business, diversity, education, politics, public service, F&B/restaurant/hotel, and philanthropy.
Sample of Articles:
== A profile for a Washington DC-based magazine on a woman who moved to Italy to pursue her passion in art history.
== A guest column about what to say to children regarding intolerance in the wake of 9-11 for a couple newspapers including one in Kentucky
== A feature story for an Indiana-based magazine profiling the reitred CEO of a very well-known company, and his decision to go back into the business world
== A story for a magazine in California about an exchange program involving business schools in California and Africa. Click here to read it.
== A story for a California-based magazine on a professor and author of book on diversity.
== A guest column about making the most of your time in
college for a couple of college newspapers including one in Illinois
and one in Connecticut
== A profile for a Wisconsin-based magazine covering a former college athlete- turned - television executive .
== A profile for a Texas-based magazine about a former Border Patrol Agent who opened up a nightclub
== A feature story for a Canadian magazine profiling an inspiring hotel executive and breast cancer survivor.
== A series of biographies on world leaders taking part in a special panel in New York for the event's program.
Sample of Feedback from Editors:
Note from Jim Vescovi, Editor, Columbia Law School Report: "Greg turned in an excellent, tightly written story for us. Not only was it filed on time, but written within our parameters and in a smooth style. I recommend him if you need freelance work."
Excerpt of letter (full letter available upon request) from Jon Bartel, Editor, Coastlines magazine, UC Santa Barbara Alumni Association (retiring in 2007 after 25 years on the job): "I found Greg to be a great freelance writer to work with...he provided great attention to detail...he was creative –- he did research, thought through the assignment, and provided suggestions to improve and refine the concept. He also was careful to check quotes with his source. He provided very reader-friendly copy, at the word limit and on time. All through the process, he checked in frequently with me so that I knew what he was doing and when he was doing it...."
Topics Covered (Events):
When asked to speak to writers (and/or students who are studying fields such as Writing or English or Communications), Greg is usually asked to discuss one of several topics. They include: Practical advice on writing for different mediums (books, guest columns, journalism); The impact of labels and stereotypes (and why it is so meaningful to try and avoid perpetuating them in your work); Why writing is such a worthy field to pursue, about sticking with it; Marketing skills, as they apply to a career in writing (how to get your foot in the door, how to market your writing and expand your opportunities in the field)
Sample of Honors/Media:
Writing-related honors/media: Greg's book, The First Thirty, was honored in 2007 as the NSDLC Multicultural Relations Book of the Year. As a student, Greg received several honors for his writing. They included a Quill & Scroll honor and an honor for his poetry. His books have been featured in media like Baltimore Sun and College News. Other media features about Greg have included Good Morning America, USA Today, Nation's Restaurant News, Senior News, Yahoo! Magazine, Art World News, Newsweek Kaplan College Guide and NPR.
== Specific example: Article from The Washington Post Co. comparing the parallels between the paths of Greg and filmmaker Steven Spielberg, and the extent to which their college experiences influenced their paths (an excerpt from the article: "The legacies of Greg Forbes Siegman and Steven Spielberg are the people they have helped and the lessons and images they have brought to life.")
Contact Information:
To inquire about Greg writing for your publication, email Greg@GregForbes.com
Be sure to include your affiliation, topic, deadline and rate.
