December and I have a complicated relationship. I want to like it, I do like it, but I’m very aware of the other side of things, and things always seem to go sideways or fall apart during this month for me in some form or another. But there’s the other side to that, too, because at … More Influences Revisited: Remembering Brooke McCarter
Since we’re celebrating Star Wars today, I thought I’d revisit this post, especially since Carrie Fisher is no longer with us. *** So while the world is doing their best of lists and talking about resolutions…eh, I’m just gonna do my thing. And that means talking about something near and dear to my heart. I … More Happy Star Wars Day! or Thoughts on Leia Revisited
Besides teachers, I think sometimes we take for granted how much libraries and the communities they foster can really, truly encourage people, especially kids. So today’s look back deals with some of the libraries in my life. *** I’ve talked about it off and on in interviews and the like, but I cannot stress how … More 2nd Look: Library Livin’
Another look back at the teachers who have helped to shape my life and kindle the creative spark. This time, we’re going to junior high English class. *** So to truly kick of this whole new world for you and me direction where I discuss craft and influences a little bit more, I did … More 2nd Look: Of Stories and General Jerkishness
What can I say – I’m back from vacation this week and the wireless has been cutting out on me. At any rate, I wanted to do a second look at this post, because I think it warrants it. It’s probably the only serious post I’ll ever do under the Lost Manuscripts tag (usually reserved … More 2nd Look: Dropping the Mask and Exposing the Spirit
Going to highlight another amazing teacher in my life this week, this time from junior high and in a class that I didn’t exactly excel at any given point: *** So obviously, I was a right gem in Jr. High. Honestly, I think a lot of my attitude and ineptness was residual issues that came … More 2nd look: It’s okay to stand up for yourself
Since we’re at back to school time, I want to tip my hat to some teachers that forever shaped me (and who are probably regretting that now). These are actually past blog posts of mine, so I’ll give you the intro and then link you to the rest of the original post. Today’s look back … More Becoming a Germ of the Wild, another look back
So the other day I talked about the oddly profound effect The Lost Boys has had on my creative life, so we’ll just piggy back on that theme today because it’s the weekend and thinking, ugh. I’ve mentioned this story before on podcasts and in interviews when talking about influences and advice for authors/creatives in … More Influences: Billy Wirth and the Best Advice I’ve Ever Gotten
Alright, back to vampires. Warning: long post, but I think breaking it up would just make the flow uneven. I’ve had variations of this post in my head for a long time. I think it’s hard to put what things mean to you into words that actually convey those feelings. I personally also have a … More Influences: The Lost Boys
So we all know I’m a music fan. I was fortunate enough to get to see Alice Cooper and Mötley Crüe earlier in the summer. In a nutshell: an amazing show. It also apparently unleashed my creative side in terrifying new ways. It also got me thinking. I live a lot of different types of … More Dr. Feelgood or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Crue
Come Selahway With Me... 