I started this blog on August 21, 2012, with the release of my first book, Titan Encounter. Most of those posts are now in what I call the “Early Blog.” I’m gradually updating their format and bringing them into this new journal. Back then the sole purpose of the blog was to promote my books, but gradually that changed.
That’s how it started but, over the years, I’ve mused about other things that are important to me, such as my family, my farm, rural life, and occasionally about politics and country. However, I try to limit the politics in this journal. If you want to know more about my political leaning go to The Conservative Alternative.
Yesterday, I received a letter from an old friend.
Several things were unusual about it. First, it was a real letter, the kind you get in the mailbox. I get close to a hundred emails a day, but very few letters. The other thing that immediately caught my attention was the picture that you see here.
Read MoreSpring is a busy time for the beekeeper.
I only had one bee colony that survived the winter and I have been feeding them a sugar-water syrup for a few weeks. Thursday night my new colony of bees arrived.
Read MoreRecently my son, Robert, discovered himself
Actually, Robert earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Saint Martin’s University in 2012 and quickly found a job as an auditor for the Washington state. During his time at the university, someone took a picture of him as part of a promotion for the School of Business.
Read MoreLike most people, I enjoy a good mystery.
I don’t write traditional mysteries, but often my stories contain a secret that the characters have to solve. While I enjoy both reading and writing such novels, sometimes I enjoy real-life mysteries.
Read MoreSpringtime brings extra chores for those living on a farm.
Normally, I keep two bee colonies, but only one survived the winter. On a warm day earlier this month, I opened the remaining hive to check on the colony. I try to find the queen…
Read MoreBook three of the Strengthen What Remains series is off to a good start.
I haven’t finished the novel or even named it yet, but I’ve sold at least one copy.
Bill Radtke, a friend of mine, is a busy man and has little time to read for entertainment, but he recently bought paperback copies of both Through Many Fires and A Time to Endure.
Read MoreSpring is a busy time for bees and beekeepers.
For most of the country, this winter has been snowy and cold, but in western Washington state, the weather has been mild. As a beekeeper, this is both a blessing and a problem.
Read MoreLast night my wife Lorraine and I enjoyed a pre-anniversary dinner.
This was the third time we’ve traveled north to Tumwater and ate at the Falls Terrace Restaurant. We enjoy the establishment for several reasons. It has good service and an excellent steak and seafood selection.
Read MoreFor the first time in over ten years, I had the chance to see, hear and speak with Charlie Albright.
In 2004 Charlie Albright was a freshman in my civics class at Centralia High School. Even then I knew he would achieve things in life. He worked hard in class and turned in every regular and extra credit assignment. I don’t believe he got less than an “A” on anything.
Read MoreI would so do this!
I enjoy science fiction. I read science fiction. I write it and I watch it on television and at the cinema. Firefly and Serenity are how I came to know the work of Nathan Fillion. So, through Fillion, I had a vague knowledge of the ABC television series Castle but had never watched it until last year.
Read MoreI don’t just write survival or prepper-themed books, I live the life.
Many of the people who aren’t involved in prepping think of those who are as crazy. I think of prepping as insurance against unforeseen problems. Where I live in Lewis County, Washington state, it can flood this time of year. During winter storms the power can go out. I like knowing that I’m prepared.
Read MoreWow! This has been an outstanding year.
Through Many Fires and A Time to Endure are side-by-side on the Amazon War Fiction bestseller list. Both have been higher on this list, but it is nice to see them together.
Read MoreMy vision went crazy on Saturday morning. That is the most concise way to describe it (double vision looking into a fractured mirror might be another). My heart was pounding. Both gradually cleared and an hour later my family convinced me to go to the hospital (stupid to delay, I know, but I’m a guy and like to deny my own mortality).
Read MoreI’m the kind of person who looks forward, not back, and the next occasion before me is the Southwest Washington Writers Conference. This one day event is scheduled for September 13th, at Centralia College. I will be there listening to great speakers, and also conducting a workshop.
Read MoreI should have kept a list—with pictures.
I mentioned earlier that one of my goals for this conference is to meet people and network. I’ve continued my practice of sitting at different tables for lunch and dinner. For today’s lunch, I sat with Jeff Gerke at a table of speculative fiction writers, including a teen working on his first novel.
Read MoreJust before the meal was served, only the seat directly across from me remained available. Moments later, a gentleman sat there. I thought he looked familiar so, I glanced at his nametag. It was Frank Peretti, one of the best-known contemporary Christian authors.
Read More
