Recently released
Tiny Worlds | Volume One and Produce, Me? ebooks are now available! You can nab both of them at my website. Use discount code BIRTHDAY for 50% off now through July 31st.
A paperback version of Volume One will be available July 18th.
Missed something? Sketchbook | Stories | Dispatches | Series
Hey! It’s my birthday week. I am 50 years old.
As Vonnegut established for us in Dispatch No. 1:
“I feel as though I am crossing the spine of a roof—having ascended one slope. I am programmed at fifty to perform childishly.”
With that in mind, let’s talk about writing — as it’s the silliest thing I can think of.
Writers writing about writing might be the very definition of navel-gazing. But, I’ll try to provide a little background on my writing life so far, lest you think I’m some dilettante who has recently arrived to the habit of it.
I’ll be brief. Promise. And I’ll get back to new stories in a few days.
To set the stage, there’s something you should know: I’m a digital packrat. I keep everything. I’m actually looking at a folder that dates back to 1998, which is when I began to catalog my writing meaningfully.
In those early days I was probably hunched over an old Apple Powerbook (1701) with nothing but time and a rack of 3.5” disks. I think I did well carrying these artifacts from one system to another, archiving, cataloging, and basically keeping them from disintegrating back into the atoms from which they came. Even now, the files live in the cloud like pre-paid postage for a letter to arrive later.
Here are a few stops along the way as I creep through that folder -
Faith (1998) - I once wrote a spec script for the X-Files. No, really. As a huge fan I thought I had an intriguing X-Filesy angle that hadn’t been tried: If you had proof of God, tangible proof you could see/hold, could that heal the sick?
For a couple of months in I wrote feverishly. It was exhilarating to see a story come together – something you’re passionate about, something that felt so “now.” I registered it with the WGA, tried sending it to Chris Carter but it never went anywhere. You can read the draft here.Synopsis: In Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Dr. Bernard Trask, known for controversial euthanasia practices, is involved in the miraculous recovery of terminally ill Jenny Shaw, who speaks an unknown language after a mysterious figure intervenes. Agents Mulder and Scully investigate, uncovering connections between similar unexplained healings, Trask's estranged brother Pastor Don, and a relic believed to be biblical manna, challenging their beliefs about faith, science, and the supernatural.
Random Ailments (2004) - Tiny Worlds | Volume One might be the first crafted set of stories I’ve released, but it’s not my first. In 2004 I self-published a book of 6 stories. Each story is achingly worse than the previous. Doubly-so for editing…of which I did
littlenone. Could I wing it and let the accolades roll in? Nope.
I believe only 10 copies exist…and I have 3 of them.Vermont 9 (1998-2005) - For a few years, I had many scripts in progress, including several for short films and some for features. Ideas often stuck in my head, and before having kids, I had a lot of time to work on them. Vermont 9 was inspired by a story from Maine where a group of student hikers got lost in the wilderness. I thought it would be interesting to pit a run-down TV station against the big networks in a race to cover the story during Christmas. Naturally, the TV station staff working during the holidays aren't the brightest, leading to hilarity as the underdogs win the day.
As I recall, one of the gags was given to me by a friend. He had edited the soundtrack for It’s A Wonderful Life by changing the ringing of bells (“another angel got its wings”) to farts. I thought one of the station miscreants might do the same and broadcast it to an audience of no-one.
I chose Vermont and the station designation because it was lyrically better. Maine 3? Maine 5? Ugh.
Synopsis: A team of reporters navigates personal and professional challenges while covering a breaking story in the snowy wilderness of Vermont. The race to report the news pits them against rival news crews and the harsh elements, testing their resilience and camaraderie.Wild Card (2009) - In 2007 or 2008 I got interested in motorcycling. It was all I could think about after watching Long Way Down. That led me to hanging out at every motorcycling event I could find. Along the way I befriended a group of racers who were willing to let me be part of the pit crew. In return, I peppered them with questions. I devoured all the stories, the insights and watched with wide eyes as we rubbed shoulders with some amazing racers.
But I couldn’t get out of my head how few women were racing. Notably at the time, Elena Myers, Maria Costello and Melissa Paris are tough competitors but weren’t given the spotlight (read: $$$) in a male dominated sport. That’s where my story started…
Synopsis: In the heartland of America, Daytona Miller, a fearless and talented motorcycle racer, strives to secure a coveted wild card slot for the MotoGP at Laguna Seca. Guided by her father Toad, a legendary racer, and Trigg, a meticulous engineer, Daytona faces fierce competition, personal demons, and a male-dominated sport. As she trains and races, she must navigate the treacherous world of high-speed racing while confronting the strained relationships with her father and team. Amidst the backdrop of intense races and mechanical challenges, Daytona's journey is one of resilience, determination, and breaking barriers in a bid to prove her worth on the world stage.Race photos | 1. Daytona, 2. Indy Mile, 3. Barber pit crew, 4. Mick Doohan, 5. Paul James, 6. The Doctor
Music (retro edition, sorta)
Little People - Atticus Fault
Motorcycle Drive By - Third Eye Blind
Kow Kow Calculator - Steve Miller Band
Seven Seas - Echo & The Bunnymen
Words
Perhaps it was an LC or Quadra I had hacked together with parts from the local swap meet. Who knows.
Thank you for the music mention.
Happy 50th!
Happy Birthday! It's my Birthday week, too! The 11th.