Today, the academic year draws to a close and with it, a chapter of my career. In 2011, when my attempt to become a full-time freelance writer proved challenging, it was time for another chapter. Throughout my editorial career, people said I had a good way with talent and employees and that I should consider […]
When Asaad fell in Syria in December 2024, it began the mental wheels spinning. Apparently, it happened so quickly that no one was prepared for the aftermath. What was expected to take months took days. Not for the first time, I found myself thinking about what happens after the uprising. Surely, there is no “they […]
I didn’t get anywhere near as much written in 2025 as I normally do. Part of it was the lack of opportunity, and part of it was that I prioritized other things over the writing. I mentioned my original fantasy novel, and I need to stress that I am giving it time to do it […]
As much of the country digs itself out of the storm, plans are being hastily rearranged from mundane household matters to major school decisions. We were closed Monday and Tuesday and are thankfully back in action today. We weathered the event just fine, thanks. As a result, I am mostly packed and ready to return […]
I’m seven years old, in first grade, and my dad showed me an item in the New York Post (back in those days, it was a respected tabloid) that Batman was coming to television. I remember being so excited about this that I blurted it out in class, interrupting whatever math my teacher was trying […]
All told, 2025 was a pretty good year. Not the best, far from the worst. It was the usual hectic mix of activities and travel, work and writing, and family and friends. Of the latter, the loss of my dear friend Peter David loomed large all year. We got a heads-up just days before he […]
The goal for 2025 was to read 215 books, the usual assortment of fiction, nonfiction, and graphic novels. However, the significant change for me was switching from buying Marvel TPBs in favor of their Marvel Unlimited digital service. As a result, reaching the goal proved challenging, and I came pretty darn close. As always, I […]
It’s been a hectic week as things wind up and head toward Winter Break. First, MICA concluded its fall semester on Wednesday, and my students gave final presentations on what worked and what didn’t in their 30-page stories. They also received a final round of peer feedback, and most everyone was quite generous with their […]
“A date that will live in infamy.” December 7 signals America’s entry into World War II and deserves to be remembered. The date also brings back memories of the first and last time I succumbed to fannish exuberance. Star Trek: The Motion Picture was opening that day in 1979, and I was determined to have […]
Launching a Kickstarter campaign with my already packed schedule always comes with risk, but I went ahead and went for it with Thrilling Adventure Yarns 2026. As I write this, we’re at 61% funded after one week, which is good and means I will likely make my goal and produce the book. Its slow momentum […]