Books do not have soundtracks like movies, but music appears in much of my writing and inspires me. This playlist, which will change as I write the book, is in some manner connected to it.
October 17, 2025
I'm very satisfied with my Thursday progress. I allowed myself six straight hours of focused writing. Sometimes writing is like being in a trance. I wrote a special scene that readers of my previous books will be able to understand that new readers will not fully appreciate. One aspect I truly enjoy about writing is the learning that comes with it.
September 02, 2025
Summer died on the backs of my knees in
a cool, dry breeze this past Sunday in Athens. It was a recognition
the same as the flocks of birds beginning the migration south as they
speckled the sky of smeared clouds. It was a relief as if I had
accomplished something more than play witness to the passing of
another season. I was running errands and the surname of the
protagonist of my current novel had come to me. I had been stressing
over this not-so-minor detail for months. The last name had to sound
right or sing when spoken aloud with the first name and I had paired
numerous names in my head without success. Then in a parking lot
among the first tinges of fall color in the sugar maples it came. The
name was simple, solid and was a fine tonic to the more complex first
name. The character was fully born.
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August 12, 2025
Monroe, Georgia
July 04, 2025
It was during a hiking trip last fall and sitting in a barbecue joint in
Gainesville, Georgia when I knew I had enough notes and ideas to begin
writing the first draft of a new novel. This realization was a nice
change from when I had stood in Micanopy, Florida in September chasing
down the ghost of River Phoenix. I was undecided if I was on a wild
goose chase or if I was seeking twisted inspiration. Inspiration can
come from anywhere I suppose, even from long dead movie stars with bad
drug habits.
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April 11, 2025
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| A painting of St. Sebastian by Nicolas Regnier in 1620. |
March 10, 2025
Much is hidden in the woods down this old road intentionally blocked with these large boulders. This is a location from the book.
January 17, 2025
This month I began writing the first
draft of my fourth novel. It is a story independent of my four previous
books, meaning it has nothing to do with my life, though of course it draws from my experiences. The folder on my
desktop where I store my writing is labeled The Reunion Project, so I will call
it that until enough of the story is written and the real title comes to
me. As much as I would like to write a novel about Atlanta punks in
the 80s, this book is set in the present day. The present is too interesting to neglect. At this stage, I have
no idea of how long it will take me to write this novel.
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