Deb and I have been long-term listeners to CraftLit, a marvelous podcast that blends literature with fiber arts. Normally, every week, we get a podcast containing a chapter or two of a public domain classic with host Heather Ordover providing commentary and analysis, helping us grok the material. She also discusses whatever crafty things are […]
In 1981, I was invited by my pal Howard Weinstein to join him at a Maryland-based show called Shore Leave. I drove down to the Hunt Valley Inn in Cockeysville, and it was so wonderful I have been coming back steadily ever since. Today, the hotel, part of the Marriott chain, closes. I have no […]
Way, way back in 2020, I was invited by Keith DeCandido and Wrenn Simms to contribute a story to their planned anthology The Four ???? of the Apocalypse. The idea was that the traditional Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (Death, Famine, War, and Conquest) could easily be personified not as horsemen but as…septuagenarians, cats, squirrels, […]
I had no idea what to expect when I stepped into room 413 of the Fox Building. I knew I told my students we’d start at 5 but as I hurried in at 4:40, the room was already full of expectant people. They knew me only by what they read and Jose Villarubia’s sterling recommendation, […]
Allan Asherman is a name familiar to older generations of comics and SF fans, but remained a relatively little known figure. He died on Friday after a serious fall and his passing should not go unnoticed. Allan was born April 21, 1947, poised to be the first television generation, raised on the live-action children’s fare, […]
Two firsts this week, and it makes me very thankful we followed four days of classes with a four-day weekend. After four days to prep, the 2023-24 academic year began on Monday. I find it interesting that more than a few veterans found themselves nervous as we arrived. We’d already had freshmen orientation the previous […]
Every summer has its own character. For most of us, the signature of the season was the oppressive heat. While we were spared in comparison with the West, it was certainly hot enough, thank you. I normally pack a summer with lots and lots of writing and a trip or two. This summer was no […]
I dearly love attending the Baltimore Comic-Con, largely because it has been an annual reunion with former colleagues and old friends. With its attention squarely on comic books, it’s a chance to immerse myself in my first love, seeing what’s new and hearing the buzz. This year will be a little different as I will […]
The writing process has been analyzed, dissected, and discussed to death. Obviously, everyone has their own style, and many successful folk have written books about how to write. Some have gone on to great acclaim and are worthy reads. My process is one born of training and a chance to channel my undiagnosed hyperactivity (trust […]
Fifteen years ago this evening, our world grew smaller. Fifteen is a substantial chunk of time and has been weighing on me as the anniversary date of Robbie’s death approached. All the opportunities missed. Others in our world have died from leukemia; others have miraculously received bone marrow transfusions and survived. I begrudge them nothing, […]