Between Projects
On finishing a novel manuscript I've been working on for a year and a half, and having no idea what to write next.
Evil Wins
A discussion of stories in which the villains win, and what they can offer readers, young and old.
On Hopelessness and Donald Trump
Discussing my unpublished contemporary novel that sheds light on the rise of Donald Trump among the white working class in the U.S.
Is This Novel Necessary?
A defense of literary fiction to challenge the notion that books are only necessary if they are bestsellers.
A Poisoned Pipeline
Michigan governor Rick Snyder won't go to jail for the poisoned water, but thousands of children in Flint might. And this is why we need Black Lives Matter.
Last Week’s News: Surviving Santiago as a Cautionary Tale
Thinking about the themes of Surviving Santiago in the wake of two incidents of political violence in the U.S. in the past week.
Can You Teach an Old Dog New Tricks?
How we taught an 11-year-old bichon frise not to bark at the big dogs and an argument against age discrimination.
How to Stay on Task: A Writing Date
A well-timed writing date gets me back on track after a two-month hiatus to promote Surviving Santiago.
Harper and the Machine
Reflections on the publication of Harper Lee's Go Set a Watchman and the controversy surrounding this early draft of a classic novel.
Letting Go of the Past
The controversy surrounding Harper Lee's forthcoming novel helps me decide what to let go of in the process of moving.