This is more of a 'foreword' to an idea that came upon me as I watched a concert. First, I would like to thank the source of this inspiration. He does not really know that it was an inspiration, and he probably never intended for any moment to be some revelation or inspiration. Nonetheless, Bart has this gift at music and the bands to which he has belonged over the course of the last thirty years ...

Our least favorite thing as an artist? Marketing our work. It is difficult and expensive for those of us who are still without an agent or publishing contract. It is laborious and loathsome at times. Yet necessity being what it is, if we want our work to be read, we must find avenues with which to share our work.To that end, earlier today I read an article about the critical importance of creating

This is the title of the last chapter of Grand Illusion. I loved writing the last few chapters because I got the chance to use a different kind of prose. It felt very similar to writing the end of Middle of Nothing. Look, when it all comes down to the final parts of our story - the human condition is all about that most cliched sentiment of all; love. And I like writing about this concept from uni...

That is the question of the day. Do I need the validation of a traditional agent getting all dewy eyed - making promises which will probably not be kept, but putting his own marketing 'genius' behind my hard work? Or should I just publish on my own and keep working?In some ways, I still really want that validation. I want to hear someone who is supposed to be in tune with what readers and publishe

Basically just an update here. Been working hard on my most recent edit. I once read a review of a book where the reader (and this was a reader review, not a periodical/journal/etc.) said that it appeared as if every sentence was carefully crafted. As if the writer spent years looking at each sentence to make sure that it was as perfect as possible.Do I pretend that I can come to that type of perf

This will be a bit disjointed. there are several different, unrelated tales from the past week which make me somewhat sensitive tot he perception versus reality barrier.Yesterday I was in Eugene visiting family and there were two subjects which came up in separate conversations which really made me wonder how it is people come by their perceptions when they so clearly differ from the reality.The f

Today was a productive day. I have found that I still need to challenge myself physically. I may no longer be able to bench press 500 pounds, but I need to push myself. So my workout today was a great way to vault myself into a productive evening.Monday is an article night. I have had no real problem getting my articles written, but sometimes, especially recently, have found myself unable to move

From Wednesday through yesterday afternoon was a long time – it felt like three years not three days. So, I took some time away from the day to just do those regular things that tend to get neglected when a laser like focus on one topic consumes more time than anticipated. I cleaned house, played fetch with my dog, ran some errands, grocery shopping. I did those things we all do, but had felt neg...

I was working on the current edit of Grand Illusion and came across this sequence which I really forgot had existed.You see, these are the ramblings of a man discontented with his station. I concoct theories to make myself feel better. There must be someone out there worse off than me; there must be some world where it is me who is rich and powerful. But those are just the fairy-tales we tell ours

With the official announcement of Brady Hoke being hired as the defensive coordinator for the Ducks, here are some thoughts regarding the hire.The Hoke File:Brady Hoke at Michigan was not a very good coach. Managing all of the expectations of being the man at such a storied program while trying to change a culture which had already undergone a massive shift just three years prior proved a task to...