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.
You may have heard that Mount Rainier has been rumbling with quakes recently. Well, it’s true and I live just fifty miles south of Rainier and thirty-two miles north of Mount St. Helens. You might be thinking, “That wasn’t the best location to buy land.” Well, the simple answer is I never gave it much thought back then beyond, “Wow, living between volcanoes, that’s neat.”
Read MoreIt’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.
I love a white Christmas, but this is April. Yesterday I awoke to a cold, dark, house. The power had failed, and several inches of snow covered the ground. My wife had a fire roaring in the woodstove by the time I stumbled from the bedroom. After a cup of hot chocolate, heated on the woodstove, I stepped onto the back porch and measured the snow at almost six inches deep.
Read MoreI have a wonderful life.
Yes, I made some good life choices, but I also know that the grace of God has shined in my life. I am fortunate to have been born here in America and at this time. I thank God that I met and married my wonderful wife and that I can do what I love for a living.
Read MoreWe’re already planning the next Southwest Washington Writers Conference.
The rains came down hard and steady today, but still I ventured to downtown Centralia for a meeting at The Station Coffee Bar & Bistro across from the Fox Theatre.
Read MoreAs an author much of my time is spent in my office writing.
So, when I can, I like to get out and interact with people. One of the ways I do that is by attending the concerts of the Pacific Northwest Chamber Orchestra.
Read MoreToday I spent a couple hours at the Grays Harbor Fairgrounds
It’s fair time once again and I was asked to help judge the writing competition for the Grays Harbor fair. Earlier this year I helped judge the Cascade awards for the Oregon Christian Writers conference. That was fun so, when fellow author Janice Clark asked me to help with fair judging I thought that would be fun also. I was right.
Read MoreLike most writers, I’m an introvert.
I spend most of the day alone, in a small office, writing. The room is in my home so, my wife is near, but she leaves me to do my work. Hours can go by and the only people I talk to are the characters in my stories.
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’ve mentioned before that for many years I’ve attended a writer’s critique group when I’m in Washington State.
Most of our six members are published writers. All have differing methods, styles and genres, but we have come to appreciate each other’s writing. I look forward to their opinion even if they tell me I’m going in a wrong direction.
Read MoreFor many years now I’ve attended a writer’s critique group.
Well, for the last seven years I’ve taught in Alaska during the school year, but when I’m in Washington state I attend the critique group. I don’t believe I’ve ever missed a meeting when I’ve been in the state.
Read MoreMy Local bookstore now carries Through Many Fires!
You can now find my latest novel, Through Many Fires, at Book N Brush, on Market Boulevard in Chehalis.
Read MoreI was interviewed by The Chronicle, my hometown newspaper, earlier this week.
The reporter, Kyle Spurr, called me the day before I was to leave for Alaska. It was my first interview and I’ve got to admit I was a bit nervous. The article appeared in the paper today.
Read MoreTitan Encounter came out in paperback today.
The sun was shining and all seemed right with the world this morning when I received word that the paperback version of Titan Encounter was out on Amazon. Thank you to everyone who bought the Kindle version and especially those of you who reviewed it.
Read MoreNikki was my dog, or perhaps I was her human. Actually, I’m certain that it doesn’t matter. She grew from a tiny puppy on our farm in Washington State. These last few years work has taken me away from the farm more than I would like, but if I was there she was nearby. Whoever was doing the most interesting task, from her perspective, that was who she was with, but she was always close.
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