Tamara J. Resler, Ph.D.
T.J. Resler, Ph.D.
writer
researcher
educator
curiosity of a journalist
research chops of a Ph.D.
WHAT
I DO
WRITING
My specialty: communicating complex ideas in a clear, concise and compelling style--whether in feature articles, policy analysis or kids' nonfiction books.
EDITING
My approach: taking your writing to the next level--finding the best way to convey your ideas and polishing your writing through careful edits.
RESEARCH
My expertise: delivering meticulously researched features, narrative nonfiction, profiles and analysis in variety of areas: STEM fields, social sciences, culture.
TEACHING
My passion: sparking a love of learning through fun, interactive writing and STEM-focused workshops for young people.
ABOUT ME
An award-winning writer, researcher and educator with 30 years' experience in journalism, academia and government, I research and write a wide variety of nonfiction and fiction for adults and kids. My publications run the gamut: STEM-oriented books for National Geographic Kids, government reports and intelligence assessments, scholarly articles on foreign affairs, news and feature stories for mainstream media.
My broad interests reflect both my insatiable curiosity and my varied career. I started out in journalism and, after earning my Ph.D., worked as a political science professor, foreign affairs officer and research analyst at the U.S. State Department and on the Hill. As a freelance writer, I draw on all that experience and also tackle new areas: science, mythology, music--pretty much anything I can dig into. (And, yes, I do a lot of research when I write fiction, too.) When I'm not writing, I enjoy helping others craft their own writing and making author visits to schools, libaries and bookstores. I lead fun, interactive workshops on writing (fiction and nonfiction) and STEM topics to get young people fired up about writing and learning.
I'm an explorer. I've traveled to amazing places--Russia, Europe, Asia--to do research, work or teach. I love to learn about new places and cultures, and I get excited by scientific discoveries and geeky inventions. And I think I have the best job in the world: writing about it all.
WRITING
My books, published by National Geographic Kids, cover STEM, nature and animals, humanities and history, arts and culture. Click below for what people say about them--or head to my author site.
"Rewarding fare." - Kirkus
"Something for everyone." - School Library Journal
"Great for all ages--grandchildren to grandparents!" - Amazon review
"Comprehensive … Highly recommended." - School Library Journal (starred review)
"A merry band of far-flung subject matter, presented in slightly self-conscious, jazzy language." - Kirkus
"Highly appealing ... Engaging topical features ... First choice for pet sections." - School Library Journal
"A great choice. The information is intriguing and even startling." - GoodReads review
Interested in my writing? Check out these stories:
BRAINIACS
I confess: I'm a total geek when it comes to neuroscience and gadgetry. So when I heard about using thoughts to control things, I had to dig in. Read about it here.
WONDER WOMAN
She didn't have super powers, but Josephine Cochrane invented a brilliant way to conquer a tedious task--and blazed a trail for women. Read how here.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Getting dragged under a monster truck, thrown off a balcony, attacked by angry swordsmen--it's just a typical day at work for this fearless woman. Read why here.
PARTY ANIMALS
You might expect gloomy octopuses to be off sulking by themselves, but groups of these intelligent creatures hang out together in two underwater cities. Read more here.
ROYAL LIVING
A St. Louis resident was knighted--definitely feature fodder for a local paper. It turned out, knighthood was just the tip of the iceberg. Read more here.
THE RIVALS
Of course, there are going to be rallies during the World Series. But for the other team?! I found out how Twins' fans living in St. Louis summoned the nerve, here.
"A" STANDS FOR ...
A half dozen tidbits--from science, technology, history, geography, culture, and design--for the nerd in all of us. Sample these delights right here.
