Drum aims both to dispel myths about chemoth erapy and to provide clear, concise information on its effec tiveness in the fight against cancer. Taking a holistic appr oach, he offers practical suggestions for the problems patie nts may encounter. '
As a health and business writer, I've been interested in good health for many years, so it probably follows that I'd write books in that area. Since I love to read novels, and I love a good heartfelt laugh, it's probably not a surprise that I would write a comic novel like Introducing the Richest Family in America.
I have written several nonfiction books on health, and I try to take my own advice and live a healthy, well-balanced life. I eat nutritiously most of the time, do some moderate exercise every day, and try to relieve stress by doing things that I enjoy such as gardening, cycling, taking care of my pet, and so forth. I try to combine some mental work such as writing with some physical work every day. I live in an old house in Los Angeles, so I have plenty of physical work to do. I also teach a night class where I have plenty of contact with other people, which gives me another type of lifeline to the world.
I have interviewed many people coping with chronic illness, and I always emerge from these interviews impressed by the courage that men and women can exhibit when facing adversity. There is such a thing as human dignity, and it is a beautiful thing to see. Health is also an interesting metaphor for life.
One fascinating area of health for me is the whole area of mind-body medicine, where old truths are being rediscovered and refined. In my writing, I also believe that what is often dismissed as patient education is another aspect of mind-body healing. If people understand the mechanics of their medical condition and learn ways to help themselves, as Norman Cousins did, I think knowledge can help people get well.
At this point in my career, I am the author or co-author of seven health books, one novel, one book of poems, and more than 1,000 magazine articles, speeches, brochures, corporate videos, tapes, and other writing projects.
I have have an A.A. from Brevard College, a B.A. from the University of California, and an M.F.A. from the Writers' Workshop at the University of Iowa in Iowa City. I was president of the Independent Writers of Southern California for a couple of years, and I have won a couple of writing awards.
I have been a newspaper reporter, an advertising copywriter, and a contributing editor and correspondent for major newspapers, national trade magazines and wire services. At various times I've worked several colorful jobs. Hopefully, this diverse life experience adds some depth to my writing.
