3/31/2011 I'd rather write an entire book than…

I’m serious.  I’d rather write a 94,156 word novel than do the back cover and author copy for the same book. The confines of word count increase the tension of saying a lot in a little space.  There’s the knowledge that what’s on the back cover of a book will determine whether someone buys the …

Thur. March 31 "Out Like a Lamb"

Today a beautiful month of March ends. The dogwoods, azaleas, wild azaleas (honeysuckle) and ’40 shades of green’ of the creek bottoms have been wonderful.  No wonder it’s one of my favorite months. Quote for the day: “The concept of two people living together for 25 years without a serious dispute suggests a lack of …

"Being an easy mark" What does that mean?

A Hobo’s ‘Easy Mark’ Proverbs 21:13  The one who shuts his ears to the cry of the poor will himself also call out and not be answered. “I’m a thousand miles from anywhere, waiting for a train.” -“Waiting for a Train” by Jimmy Rodgers To call someone an “easy mark” is normally not a compliment. …

A Spent Bullet: Back Cover Copy

This is the current back cover copy for A Spent Bullet, due for Summer 2011 release.  I’d appreciate your input.  I need to cut some lines and tighten it. Also, I’m open to ideas on the arrangement of the text. Finally, what parts would you put in bold? Back Cover Copy   It’s late summer …

Tale of the Lizard's Tail

I’ve been to three funerals this week, so I’ve thought about life… and death. Once at a Dry Creek funeral, my friend Billy Harper spoke of the death of his beloved elementary teacher,  Amy Greene Pullins.   “You know, it’s just like when you break off a lizard’s tail.  The lizard runs off and you’re left …

What Makes You Angry?

What makes you angry on a regular basis? I’m not talking about the major occurrences like poverty, injustice, abuse, war, etc. It’s the little everyday things I’m referring to. Things that will instantly set your blood boiling. Especially while driving. Stop for a moment and think about what really gets your goat. Today we hear …

Mon. March 14

The World is Everywhere… if we’re looking. I’m sitting in the Albuquerque (thank goodness for spell check) Airport waiting to wing my way back to the Piney Woods. On this trip I’ve met so many nice folks.  In the larger airports of America (Houston, Phoenix, and here) many of the workers and travelers are African.  …

Calling all Editors! 3/12/11

This is my last time (thankfully) through A Spent Bullet before it begins its journey to publication.  This is your opportunity to help shape and define the book. For the next three days, I’ll be posting questions, passages, and notes.  \ Let’s have fun working together.  Give me your honest input.  If anyone wants a …

Following the Pilot Car…

This story, “You’re the Man” is from Deep Roots, my latest book.  The ending of the story relates about “The Pilot Car”… You’re the Man I’d never heard of the Broken Wings Award until recently. I haven’t met helicopter pilot Edwin Steve Coleman, one of the few two-time winners of the award. I believe I’d …