Fripp Island, S.C. Vacation 2012

A trip to the beach is on the horizon again, and I realized that didn’t post photos from last year’s trip. What I look forward to the most is peaceful beauty of the island, Fripp Island, SC. This was sunrise at the beach. These are deer eating near the tennis courts. The island is a … Read more

The Ultimate Writer’s Critique

All writers face criticism eventually. Some of it is written, some oral. Some of it is presented positively, some harshly. But, I doubt anyone has seen a critique presently like this: What really happened isn’t that bad. My wife laid the story next to the stove. She started making supper and came to see me … Read more

Beach Deer

In 2008, I visited Fripp Island, SC. When there, I get up at sunrise and walk the beach. It so peaceful. And sometimes, I get surprised. This morning, several deer wandered on the beach and played in the surf. I was able to take several pictures without disturbing them. The above picture makes me think … Read more

Completed! – Shifting Mars’ Sands Critique with Writers’ Group

Yesterday, I completed a chapter-by-chapter critique of my novel. The picture below shows the Loudoun County Writers’ Group’s critiques of Shifting Mars’ Sands as well as my edits in preparation for each meeting. You may notice the yellow sheets of paper, which are hand rewrites of scenes that were too off base to edit in … Read more

Matty Herding Fripp Deer

Last October, we vacationed at Fripp Island, SC. We’ve vacationed here many times over the years and look forward to two weeks of rest and relaxation. A big part of vacation is walking on the island, oftentimes with our dog, Matty (named by my wife after Mathesar of Galaxy Quest). Matty is a Border Collie, … Read more

This Blog’s Header

The photo atop the blog (and below, in case I change the blog’s photo) was taken by me. Its purpose is to promote the novel (Shifting Mars’ Sands) that I’m currently reviewing with a writers’ group. With any luck, in the spring, I’ll start a quest to find an agent. It shows the first page … Read more

The Air and Space Museum (Dulles Airport Annex)

I recently visited the Air and Space Museum at Dulles Airport.  I try to visit every year or two.  It’s my favorite museum because of the content for sure and because it’s convenient.  For me, it’s about a 15 or 20-minute drive with plenty of signage, so you can’t get lost. This trip, I was … Read more

Brightspot Caught In the Act

This is Brightspot caught in the act, trying to open the cupboard doors to steal treats.  He doesn’t care if he gets dogs treats or his own.  We’d heard suspicious sounds of the cupboard beforehand, which is why the wooden spoon in the door handles.  One time, we forgot the wooden spoon and he pulled … Read more