Mama used to tell this story about how I came home from first grade in hysterics. The teacher said we were going to read the next day and I was horrified. How was I supposed to read? I didn't know how. I insisted Mama teach me that very night so I'd be ready. She tried to convince me the teacher meant we would begin learning to read. When Daddy got home from work, he tried to … [Read more...] about Going places
writing
On this day, I write
Robert Dugoni opened the Surrey conference I just attended. "On this day, I write," was the ending phrase of his speech. If you'd like to hear it, please click here. It is inspirational. Thanks to Robert Dugoni, I began the conference reminded of why I write. Thanks to Robert McCammon, and Robynn Sheahan, and Russell Turney, I left the conference reminded of why I … [Read more...] about On this day, I write
Where does the dream stop and the story begin?
I awoke this morning in the middle of a dream. I had been re-hired by a firm I worked for fifteen years ago. It was my first day back. Scrambled eggs, sausage links, and hash browns were being served on the over-polished, walnut conference table. Hmmm. Family breakfasts weren't company policy when I worked there last time. People, some familiar, some strangers, milled around … [Read more...] about Where does the dream stop and the story begin?
What’s your point . . . of view?
Nothing is black and white… really. All things are shaded by point of view. Most of us have experienced this by the time we’re out of diapers. You think you should have a toy, another baby is sure they need it, and whoever ends up with the prize ultimately believes they deserved it. By the time we're four or five we learn to tailor our perception if the need arises. You … [Read more...] about What’s your point . . . of view?
Itching away
Ralph, a homeless man who lives in my novel, The Courier, has head lice. At one point, he explains how lice can sometimes be advantageous. That doesn't stop him from using an unconventional method to rid himself of them. I won't tell you what Ralph feels the upside is, you'll have to read the book when it comes out. What I will say is that-LICE-easily deserves its … [Read more...] about Itching away