Category Archives: The Troubles

Today is a most beautiful day. Birds singing, sun shining. I even had a coupon for crickets. Something wonderful is about to happen. 😉

When I started working on Over the Hills and Far Away, I thought I had it all figured out. I’d been sent to boarding school for seven years  that changed me into something less American and, as a result, I … Continue reading →

“Dad? Are we American?” I look at William, almost twelve now, the same age I was when my parents sent me away. “Absolutely,” I say. “In fact you’re the first natural born American in my family. Do you know what … Continue reading →

Mom came in from work one night shouting, “Call the police! Call the POLICE!” I came out of the kitchen, mouth stuffed with potato chips, wondering what the fuss was. “Oh my god, someone’s stolen your dad’s car,” she wailed. … Continue reading →

Matthew looks at me with his head cocked and dead serious and says, “Do you not like Uncle Roger?” A chill runs through me. I can still remember Dad lunging at my older brother, smashing him in the face with … Continue reading →

After leaving my son at school, I stopped by the Post Office to check my box – the one I rented in preparation for all those royalty checks and movie contracts sure to arrive once I sell my book. Lo … Continue reading →

“Just what we need…another fooking Yank!” Hate-filled eyes pounded me like fists. I didn’t expect my arrival at Gloucester House, the prep school for Portora Royal, in Northern Ireland to start off like that at all. I exited swiftly to … Continue reading →

When I was at boarding school in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland during The Troubles, it seemed clear to me Gerry Adams and Ian Paisley were simply two ends of the same candle, one as much to blame for the problems as … Continue reading →

They say change is good. Well, I’ve certainly been busy making changes both to the web site and the blog, and I’m not finished yet. However, anyone who hasn’t been by in a while will be in for a pleasant … Continue reading →

When my parents told me I’d be going to boarding school, I felt excited. I loved Alaska, for sure; the fun and friends and coming home everyday after school. But going to Ireland offered a whole new world of exciting … Continue reading →