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Novels. Play. Memoir. Essays.

“It was books that taught me that the things that tormented me most were the very things that connected me with all the people who were alive, who had ever been alive.”
― James Baldwin

From all appearances, I have very little in common with James Baldwin. He was an acclaimed writer, an African American, and gay – three traits I do not share. But his expression of the influence of books in his life makes me think that we could have had a very meaningful conversation. Indeed, as he explained, I am connected to him by his books, which reveal his perspective as a Black writer and civil rights activist during the 1960’s. Doubtless, the things that tormented Baldwin were beyond my experience, but his writing takes me into another world and immerses me in his perception of it. I look for this connection in the works that I read, and I strive to create it in all that I write.

My interests include literature (of course), theology, law and government, culture and sports. My subjects range from the drafters of the United States Constitution to idolized artists such as William Faulkner and Jimmy Buffett, to the closest members of my family, living and dead. Each of these has influenced me greatly, and some have tormented me. I have explored them through several genres, including literary fiction, historical fiction, a stage play, a memoir and expository essays. You can learn more about my approach by clicking on the “About” tab, which includes an essay on why I write entitled “What’s in it for me?“. I strive to make each story, whatever the treatment, have some resonance with each reader. This takes time, both in my writing and in your reading.

I wrote my mantra “Read. Think. Write.” before I discovered this quote from Fran Lebowitz: “Think before you speak. Read before you think.” But I am happy to share the thought with her, and to encourage you to read what I have written on topics that I have studied and contemplated deeply.

Each of my publications has its own page under the “Works” tab, with a summary, excerpts and reviews. You can follow my works-in-progress at the “Blog” tab, where I also write periodically about events occurring around us.

After seven years’ research and writing, I have completed my historical fiction trilogy, Nation of Laws. Volume three is entitled Killing Force and was published July 22, 2025, one day after the 164th anniversary of the first battle of Bull Run where my story concludes. (See the Works tab.)

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“… a mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge.”
― George R.R. Martin

Under the “About” tab is a subtab entitled “Reading Lists”, which records the many titles I have read over the previous twenty years. I include short commentary on certain works and explain why I reread some of them every year.

“I can’t imagine a man really enjoying a book and reading it only once.” – C.S. Lewis

Also under the “About” tab is a subtab for “Other Interests”. This includes a link to a separate website I maintain for a regular topic of interest – baseball.

Finally, you can write to me at the “Contact” tab. I enjoy hearing from readers, as any writer should.

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Every picture tells a story – Heart of Darkness? This is the San Antonio River rather than the Congo, but you get the picture.