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.
We had a week of cold and snow on the farm.
The weather made for some beautiful pictures, which you can see on the Facebook page, but it got very cold. On a mild day this week, my wife came in from outside and said, “There’s no activity in the apiary.”
As I gazed at three recent pictures it occurred to me that each had something to say about where and how I live.
The first picture is of my friend Pat and me (blue shirt) standing in the middle of the dirt road that passes in front of his house. We were waiting for a friend who had never been there before and the road seemed like a good place to keep an eye out for her.
Read MoreLiving close to nature means that there are annual chores that must be performed.
On a sunny day last week, I took some time off from writing and prepared the farm for winter. I opened the one beehive we have this year and made sure the colony was healthy. The workers had sealed every crevice and joint with propolis, a good sign. I added a special insulation box to the top and slid in a bottom board. Winter is a hard time for bees, but the colony is now as ready as it can be.
Read MoreWell, at least at my house.
As I write this, the service has been down for eight days. Fortunately, the phone part of the service still works so I’ve been able to call (nag?) my provider, CenturyLink.
Read MoreThis has been my best year.
Since I released my debut novel, Titan Encounter, in 2012, my book sales have grown each year, but this year has been exceptional. With more than a third of the year remaining, my sales have already exceeded those of 2015.
Read MoreA minor earthquake at 8:32 a.m. on Sunday, May 18, 1980, caused the bulging and weakened northside of Mount St. Helens to collapse into the largest landslide ever recorded. The gas, steam, lava, and pulverized rock that it exposed, exploded toward Spirit Lake. Then a column of ash rose 80,000 feet into the air and I witnessed much of it.
Read MoreThe greening of the farm-inspired me.
As many of you know, I live on a small farm and spring is always a very special time. After a cold and wet (Pacific Northwest) winter, it is time to get outside and repair fences, gates, and the broken hen house door.
Read MoreI have begun studying for my amateur radio or “ham” license. Well, I’m still studying the book and working with my mentor Lorin Moline and his wife Veda.
Read MoreThe Rocking Self-Publishing Interview recorded earlier is online!
A month ago Simon Whistler, of the Rocking Self-Publishing Podcast, interviewed me. I blogged about it then saying it would be available in a month. That month has gone by quickly. Today Simon released podcast episode number 142, with me as the guest.
Read MoreI enjoy talking with students interested in a writing career.
Most of the authors I know enjoy talking with students. Established writers should support young writers and promote reading. I spoke on the topic of writing as a career in the digital age at Centralia High School back in November.
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 MoreThis month’s cover picture is a special one, for a special time of year.
Usually these blogposts are about the pictures, but not this one. As we gather together to celebrate the birth of Christ, I like to reflect upon the blessings of family and faith.
Read MoreI had the chance to go back to school this week.
Ten years ago, I taught at Centralia High School, near where I live now in Lewis County, Washington state. However, life and other opportunities drew me away, and I haven’t been back since.
Read MoreThe honey harvest this year was very good.
We have only two hives on our small farm, but even so, the harvest takes nearly all day. After breakfast, we set up the equipment, including our honey extractor (basically an antique hand-crank centrifuge), stainless steel buckets, a couple of food-grade plastic pails, strainers, and assorted tools.
Read MoreAll I can do is smile when Amazon tries to sell me one my own books.
This happens more often than you might think. Every few days I go and check each of my books to see if there are new reviews and to ensure everything on the page is correct and working.
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.
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