Equipped with a formative love of astronomy, Drew Mendelson relocated to California at a young age with the desire to become an astronomer. Although his love for astronomy was strong, he subsequently decided to enter the field of writing. Working on his first novel at the age of 16, his strong roots formed the foundation upon which he built his following career. He first served with the United States Army from 1967 to 1970 during the Vietnam War, then served as an associate editor for The Cotati Call in California from 1975 to 1977. During this time, he pursued formal education at Sonoma State University, graduating with honors with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and English in 1977. He then earned a Master of Arts in English literature, with a concentration in creative writing, from San Francisco State University in 1980.
As his career progressed, Mr. Mendelson also served as the managing editor of The Lancaster Excelsior in Missouri from 1980 to 1981, a reporter and photographer for The Kansas City Labor Beacon from 1981 to 1982, and editor-in-chief of The St. Paul Union Advocate in Minnesota from 1983 to 1986. Thereafter, he was the senior communications specialist for the California State Employees Association between 1986 and 1999. During this time, he also excelled as the director of communications for the California Democratic Party. From there, Mr. Mendelson was the deputy communications director for Governor Gray Davis of California from 1999 to 2003 and chief writer for the California Senate Democratic Caucus from 2004 to 2005. From 2005 to 2017, Mr. Mendelson served as the senior policy advisor for California State Treasurers Phil Angelides, Bill Lockyer and John Chiang. Mr. Mendelson was also the founder and owner of the eponymous Mendelson Communications from 2009 to 2019.
Recognized as a prolific writer and novelist, Mr. Mendelson recently published “A Shepherd to Fools” in 2021. He presently has three publications pending: “Poke the Dragon,” The Folly of a Dream” and “Chief of Smoke.” Earlier in his career, he co-authored “Dark Sea Rising” in 2021, as well as authored “Song Ba To” in 2010 and “Marin 2120 A.D.” and “Pilgrimage” in 1980. For his esteemed efforts, Mr. Mendelson was honored with several accolades for editorial excellence, news and feature writing, and photography from the International Labor Communications Association and the Western Labor Press Association beginning in 1983. He was also a finalist for the Ted Sorensen Speech Writing Award in 2008.
Looking toward the future, Mr. Mendelson intends to continue publishing his fictional works and accrue a larger audience. He is married with four children and one grandchild.
