As a writer, I love sub-cultures that have their own lingo and a rich history to pull from. Today, marks the Marine Corps 244th birthday and few organization have the richness of vocabulary terms as these fine folks. Whopper Jr., Oscar Mike, Lock and loaded, Devildog, Jarhead, Outstanding, I’ve got your six are just a … More This is my pen…Happy Birthday Marines

Watching the Nationals win the World Series the other night got me to thinking that maybe I need an at bat walk up song to get me in the mood before writing. In Stephen King’s book, On Writing, he mentions when he got his first rejection, with an editor’s note on it, he felt like … More At Bat

Last night, as I was eating my Cubano sandwich and drinking beer, I gazed down the table and a revelation hit me. This is what I have been working to achieve the last few years. Here I was having dinner with fellow writers. People who love the craft as much as I do. People who … More Stop to smell the roses

Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh was the book responsible for me starting my journal back in 1978. If I remember correctly, this was the book,  our teacher would read to us. I thought it was so cool how Harriet would “spy” on her friends and write about her world that I did the same … More Foundational Books: Harriet the Spy

Been awhile since I have drawn anything besides some doodles. But was inspired by a picture I saw of Mysterio on-line.  The Spider-Man movie was great A+, my drawing not so much.  I fell asleep while working on the fish bowl and put a random line there. I wish I had not blackened in his … More Sketch – Mysterio

This has been a solid year for me.  Two paid pieces published, and one on the way. A few short stories finished. Been meeting my deadlines. Future projects on the stove top. I have everything I need. I have a vision. My kung fu is strong! Let’s kick it up a notch and finish the … More Mid-Year Review 2019

Every once in awhile something comes along that just rocks your world. A piece of technology making writing easier. Today’s blog is being brought to you by my voice to text Memo app and I’m loving it. Not since GPS have I been this excited for software. A gentleman in my critique class is legally … More Toolbox – Memo App

Happy birthday to one of my favorite writers —  Louis Lamour.  Whose book of the month club during my twenties was an expense I could hardly afford but was worth every dime. His love of the language, history, and good story telling impacts me to this day. His memoir Education of a Wandering Man is … More Saddle up cowboy, it’s time to ride

Had a most excellent week with my writing.  I submitted some queries and received positive response (Boom!).  I got my business cards on order (which I discovered a couple of times would have been helpful this week). Signed up for an intensive April writing experience (which I am really looking forward to).   And did … More Sunday Smackdown 3/10/2019

I have a photo above my desk of a hockey goalie protecting the net.  He is there to remind me that there are obstacles to getting published. He reminds me that it takes a team of people to get published. He reminds me that you have to skate up and down that ice, that it … More Goal!