Category Archives: The Troubles

Someone told me once to never let on that you’re in trouble. Always smile no matter the pain, no matter the challenge. That, supposedly, sends a message of confidence and strength to others, and they will rally around you and … Continue reading →

The hardest part is trying to explain this to folks. 😉 http://www.buzzfeed.com/autmnjones/signs-you-were-an-international-school-kid-grak

My son Matthew asked if he could go trick or treating with his friend who lives nearly an hour away. It was a school night and Mom wasn’t going to get home until the time he’d really have to leave, … Continue reading →

I even sampled pork rinds and decided I didn’t care much for them, but I drew the line at pickled eggs and brined pigs feet floating cut in half in clear jars by the register of every gas station and … Continue reading →

A recent post on Facebook led me to a blog by one Kate Bartolotta who reminded me that cheesy inspirational quips from self-proclaimed authorities are meant to draw an audience. Many profess their goal is to change the world, but … Continue reading →

Yesterday I nailed the opening bookend. Okay so I drove the nail through my hand into the wall instead of the table I was working on, but that happens sometimes with writing. I’m making no assumptions on how the closing … Continue reading →

“Do you not like Uncle Roger?” My youngest says, head cocked, her expression razor serious. How to answer that? When I was growing up in Maryland and Alaska I was just a normal happy kid really no different from all … Continue reading →

From early on The Troubles has resembled a sandwich of sorts. All kinds of flavors both good and bad layered between two outer layers meant to provide textural and contextual contrast. Yet something was missing. There was too much contrast … Continue reading →

As an experiment I plugged the latest version of my memoir manuscript into the book format I used for “Helle” (6×9 single spaced) and two things became apparent. One, the 111,000 words came to 340 pages which is shorter than … Continue reading →

…I’ll be adding a new feature to my web site. Stay tuned!