real human
Words crafted with
The human mind is wired to respond to stories.
We craft yours.
Stories affect how we feel and retain information and what we believe. We help clients reach key audiences by developing original content and authentic strategies. We work with a human touch, building relationships and connecting clients to an influential network of thought leaders, media figures and policy makers with whom we’ve built trust over decades.
Founded by award-winning journalist and author Karen Breslau, we are based in Oakland, California and serve nonprofit and civic organizations, businesses, academic institutions and individuals.
FEATURE WELL STORIES IS A NARRATIVE STRATEGY AGENCY HELPING CLIENTS COMMUNICATE WITH CLARITY, PRECISION AND STYLE.
Feature Well: \'fēCHer wel\ noun
The prime location in a print magazine, where the most important article is placed. Through engaging writing and rich illustration, the well signals the reader to settle in for an important, uninterrupted and memorable read. Verb: to be regarded positively or with favor.
We Elevate Content with Context.
Intelligent audiences seek clarity over simplicity. To communicate effectively in a complex media landscape, it’s important to connect the present moment with underlying trends –the geopolitical, historic, economic and social forces that shape our understanding of now. We develop content that conveys:
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Cogent and purposeful narratives
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Trust and what we do with that trust
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Inspiration and action
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Clear values and culture
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Meaningful affinities with audiences
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Relevance and newsworthiness
WRITING & EDITING
We bring journalistic practices – research, reporting, sourcing – to craft long form narratives, speeches, opinion pieces, white papers and annual reports for clients. Book authors turn to us for developmental editing, help with sample chapters, manuscripts and ghostwriting.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
We help clients prepare for their big moments with big ideas. We offer speechwriting, keynote preparation, media training, and coaching for key interviews and high-profile public events.
LIVE JOURNALISM
Having a prepared, skilled moderator can make or break your event. Clients value our expertise leading high-stakes conversations with newsmakers at conferences, on podcasts, television and other live events.
EXPERIENCE
"A talent for speaking differently, rather than arguing well, is the chief instrument of cultural change."
Richard Rorty, American philosopher
Meet Our Principal.
With extensive experience reporting for Bloomberg, Newsweek and National Public Radio, Karen Breslau brings depth and originality to complex stories. At Newsweek magazine, she served as foreign, diplomatic and White House correspondent as well as San Francisco bureau chief. Karen was California bureau chief for Bloomberg, covering policy and politics of the world’s fourth largest economy. Her work has also appeared in WIRED and the New York Times Magazine. She is co-author with former U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano of “How Safe Are We? Homeland Security since 9/11”
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Karen holds degrees in International Relations and German from U.C. Davis and a Master's in Political Science from U.C. Berkeley. She was a JSK journalism fellow at Stanford University and taught creative nonfiction writing. She received numerous journalism awards.
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How We Work.
For each project, we assemble a team customized to meet each client's creative and strategic needs. This allows clients to benefit from the knowledge, skills and talents of subject matter and creative experts we have worked with for many years without having to spend time or energy finding, vetting and coordinating specialists on their own.
Portfolio.
WRITING & EDITING, THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Stanford Center on Longevity Magazine
We were commissioned to design and edit a new monthly publication by the Stanford Center on Longevity. Launched in May 2025, SCL Magazine builds on the Center’s widely-cited New Map of Life Initiative, which examines how the fact that people are living longer is reshaping society, the economy and culture.
LIVE JOURNALISM
Event Moderator
Karen is a skilled moderator who brings rigorous preparation, political, economic and policy expertise and a sharp sense of humor to lead lively, informative public discussions at high-profile events. She has moderated for Bloomberg Live, Newsweek and the Commonwealth Club of California. Karen was the founding moderator of She Shares, a conversation series featuring women leaders including Kamala Harris, Maria Shriver and Jennifer Granholm.
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Watch the California Forever conversation​​​​
WRITING & EDITING, THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Sustainable Conservation
Designed, researched and wrote keynote presentations for leading California-based conservation nonprofit about the state’s vital role in the global food supply and “California Water 101,” translating the state’s complex water policies into a narrative to educate the public and build support for conservation.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
UC Merced Expansion Project
Communications Support for UC Merced’s Project 2020, a $1.3 billion expansion of the newest campus in the University of California system. Project 2020 was the largest public-private partnership(P3) of its kind in American higher education and was named “Americas P3 Deal of the Year” by Thomson Reuters.
WRITING & EDITING
Long-Form Narrative
We specialize in complex long-form narratives such as this award-winning Bloomberg feature about California’s controversial attempt to develop a reparations program designed to close its racial wealth gap.​
WRITING & EDITING
How Safe Are We? Homeland Security After 9/11
A history Karen co-authored with former DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano offers a clear-eyed assessment of the Department of Homeland Security’s performance in addressing real and perceived threats. Drawing on her experience as the nation’s third Secretary of Homeland Security during President Obama’s first term, Napolitano reflects on the challenges of managing the sprawling agency formed in the aftermath of 9/11.
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THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Capt. Sully Sullenberger
Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger became a public figure overnight when he made a controlled water landing on the Hudson River on January 15, 2009, saving all 155 people on board US Airways Flight 1549. Karen worked with Sully to develop his public profile as an advocate for aviation safety and ethical leadership.
