British Foxes, American Joes & Russian Bears: The Birth of a Storyteller

February 10, 2018

My older cousins called my grandfather “Granddaddy.” My younger ones referred to him as “Bapaw.” Me, I called him “Ernie” or more familiarly “Ern.” Somewhere in my childhood, I had articulated to him that I was Bert, so it only stood to reason he’d be my tangerine-faced counterpart. Once, when far too old to continue … More British Foxes, American Joes & Russian Bears: The Birth of a Storyteller

Goober Says “Go”: An Update on the Screening of The Alabama Bigfoot Society

February 8, 2018

Calling all Florentines (specifically, those of the Alabama sort, though Italians are obviously welcome too). Alongside co-producer/direction Tashina Southard, I’m pleased to announce that we have a premiere date for our documentary short The Alabama Bigfoot Society. The film, an official selection of the 21st annual George Lindsey UNA Film Festival, will be screened in the block … More Goober Says “Go”: An Update on the Screening of The Alabama Bigfoot Society

“Kill Your Darlings”: Is Purple Prose Putridly Perfidious or Permissibly Playful?

February 4, 2018

It was a dark and stormy night; the rain fell in torrents — except at occasional intervals, when it was checked by a violent gust of wind which swept up the streets (for it is in London that our scene lies), rattling along the housetops, and fiercely agitating the scanty flame of the lamps that … More “Kill Your Darlings”: Is Purple Prose Putridly Perfidious or Permissibly Playful?

Blue Blood, Bad Books, Boogeymen, and Bummers

January 31, 2018

Alexander Pope once quipped that the ninth Beatitude was “Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed.” Thomas Hardy outlined his formula for a happy life in a poem titled “He Never Expected Much.” It had such an impact that it’s inscribed on his tombstone. To my credit, I’ve internalized these … More Blue Blood, Bad Books, Boogeymen, and Bummers

Reviews Blues: How to Deal with Negative Feedback

January 25, 2018

On command, authors should be able to rattle off their strengths and weaknesses in the discipline. Me? I excel at characterization, and my dialogue’s not too shabby. On the other side, plot and pacing are consistent struggles. Knowing this is invaluable. When I create a story, I build it around the characters. I feature more dialogue … More Reviews Blues: How to Deal with Negative Feedback

Snow Doubt about It

January 15, 2018

Wednesday and Thursday went smoothly, just the typical first day of the semester: I went over the syllabus and attempted to convince all my students I was an unwavering hardass. A couple may have even bought it. Thursday afternoon, I was reviewing the typical first “real day” lesson for my comp classes, a fun fifty-minute … More Snow Doubt about It

“Confines, Wards, & Dungeons”: A Free Preview

December 24, 2017

The following is a preview of my latest short story, “Confines, Wards, & Dungeons.” It is presented before a final edit, so portions may change. Look for it January 11th, 2018 on Amazon. For more information, see my previous blog. [Notice: The preview has ended. Look for it on Amazon starting January 11th, 2008.] *** … More “Confines, Wards, & Dungeons”: A Free Preview

“Kick That Block!”

December 24, 2017

“I sought a theme and sought for it in vain, I sought it daily for six weeks or so. Maybe at last being but a broken man I must be satisfied with my heart.” –William Butler Yeats “The Circus Animals’ Desertion”   I don’t believe in writer’s block, and neither should you. I preach this … More “Kick That Block!”

“What Old December’s Bareness Everywhere!” or “Don’t Call It a Comeback!”

December 15, 2017

“We cannot but obey the powers above us. Could I rage and roar as doth the sea She lies in, yet the end must be as ’tis.” –Shakespeare, Pericles I haven’t posted in a month and a half. Truth be told, that update was simply a scene I cut from my short story “Amorous Birds … More “What Old December’s Bareness Everywhere!” or “Don’t Call It a Comeback!”