Just a quick update and mini-photo dump from the hectic events of last week. Between Tuesday’s Black Panther discussion panel at the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library and the 21st Annual George Lindsey UNA Film Festival, I kept myself busy. The panel presentations seemed to spark a wave of discussion, one that oftentimes veered into the realm … More Panthers, Sasquatch, & Sharks: The Week That Was
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
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
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?
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
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
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
“Well, what tongue does the wind talk? What nationality is a storm? What country do rains come from? What color is lightning? Where does thunder go when it dies?” ― Ray Bradbury, Something Wicked This Way Comes What’s the closest thing to free? $0.99. (Disclaimer: It’s actually $0.01, but just go with it.) For a … More Thunder Day: Free Short Stories Thursday!
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
“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!”
