Welcome to my world

Two weeks ago I launched my debut novel, Last Bridge to Memphis. What a two weeks! Thanks to some of you who are reading this post, initial sales on Amazon.com shot the book into top tier rankings — for a hot minute. I suppose that’s how those algorithms work. But once the initial sales tapered…… Continue reading Welcome to my world

All shook up

Today is the day. The day every aspiring author dreams of. My book is out. And for the first time I can say: Buy it here. I’m under no illusions that some magical transformation will take place in my life now that the day has arrived. But publishing a book is a singular achievement. Many…… Continue reading All shook up

We’re doin’ this

There’s so much opportunity today for a writer to get their work published. They call it “self-publishing.” It’s now possible for virtually anyone with a decent story to tell to be an author. Still, I tried and I tried to go the traditional route (visions of my book stacked high on a front table at…… Continue reading We’re doin’ this

Shake. It. Off.

It was ten years ago this summer. A song came on the radio that saved my life. Seriously. If ever I was in a position where I needed to shake off the B.S. before it destroyed me, that was the time. By 2014, after a decade of hard work, sacrifice, and loyal service to my…… Continue reading Shake. It. Off.

Netflix and not chill

I see dead people. They’re everywhere on Netflix. I don’t mean dead people as integral to the story — a la Ghost, or The Sixth Sense. And I don’t mean the victims of the many gruesome slasher flicks in the vast category of horror movies and shows. I mean the talking dead people. The ones…… Continue reading Netflix and not chill

Another King and “Fairy Tale”

The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll plays a big part in my unpublished novel, but today I want to talk a little about another King. Stephen King. I’ve read lots of Stephen King novels going all the way back to The Stand. If I had to choose, I’d say he’s among my favorite reads. Those…… Continue reading Another King and “Fairy Tale”

Write what you know, no?

You’ve probably heard it said, write what you know. Supposedly Mark Twain coined the phrase. Personally, I connect more with another of his quotes: “Writing is easy. All you have to do is cross out the wrong words.” But what about that first adage? I’ve seen lots of beginners gripe about it. If I’m supposed…… Continue reading Write what you know, no?

Blue Christmas

This time of year you can’t escape it. Everywhere you go you’re hearing that legendary voice emerging from your Airpods or Bluetooth speaker, from your car radio or at the mall.

It can only mean one thing. If the King is singing about those blue snowflakes and those decorations of red, it’s definitely time to have a Blue Christmas with Elvis.

Blogging and noveling

My blogging life goes back a ways. Truth be told, once upon a time when I toiled in media relations, I ghost wrote and managed one of the first major corporate blogs. This was in the very early days of social media. Pioneer days, truly.Built and nurtured that blog for 6 years and 400+ posts.…… Continue reading Blogging and noveling