Organized crime in New York is often portrayed as a boy’s game, but one of the first and most influential crime bosses in the history of the city was a Prussian immigrant known as “Mother” or “Marm” Mandelbaum.

Eric Grundhauser recently shared her fascinating story on Atlas Obscura, as did Sarah Breger in forward.com, based on Queen of Thieves: The True Story of “Marm” Mandelbaum and Her Gangs of New York” by J. North Conway.

The Queen of Fences

Mandelbaum as portrayed in a political cartoon (Photo: Library of Congress/LC-DIG-ppmsca-28344)

Marm (Fredericka) Mandelbaum, also called “The Queen of Fences,” was an imperious and powerful woman who became one of the most well-connected criminal figures of her day, buying stolen goods and reselling them, financing criminal endeavors, and even creating a school for young criminals.

Increasing restrictions against Jews in Germany brought Mandelbaum to…

What does your “about” page tell your readers?

I’m terrible at writing a bio. And it seems every publication, website or blurb wants one a little different. I probably have at least 10 or more saved to “adjust” for the next one.

Too many times, my bio reads like dry toast. All crunchy, tasteless and bland. However, I do try to smear on a little honey or jam to make it more palatable.

Today I read a post about writing bios that made me smile.

I’m not sure I would apply this for a professional bio but it did give me pause. The author is reminding us not to take ourselves too seriously and to let our readers get to know us. After all, no one wants to be friends with dry toast.

But I do think her suggestion goes a long way on an about page or post. So…