I‘m supporting Jovon Scott, friend and author of “Blood of my Shadow.” I had the pleasure of editing Jovon’s book and bringing it to fruition. I’m posting a message from Jovon written from locked in a prison cell. Writing and imagination have been an escape from the reality of my upbringing. The ability to createContinue reading “A message from the author.”
Tag Archives: creative writing
Memories
Memory is life’s greatest gift. It was an earlier time, late 19th or early 20th century, perhaps, when three learned men — Hermann Sorgel, Daniel Thorpe, and Major Barclay — gathered in an English pub. They had attended a day-long Shakespearean conference in London, listening to lectures on the works of William Shakespeare and experiencingContinue reading “Memories”
A journey of enlightment
I never thought I would write or edit five prison-related books. That was not my intention some 15 years ago while traveling a beaten-down, two-lane highway to the Dwight Correctional Center. I was about to have my first interview with a female inmate, convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life without parole. What IContinue reading “A journey of enlightment”
Wallow in the writer’s high
The title of my book has been changed to “Supermax Prison: controlling the most dangerous criminals,” which is due to be released in mid-June. I decided to share some of my thoughts before writing this book. *** Writing is a journey of twists and turns laced with uncertainty. Gone are the predictable warm summer nightsContinue reading “Wallow in the writer’s high”
Hornet dude, show me your stinger.
It was a typical mid-August day in southern Illinois: 95 degrees, a heat index of 104, and an apple pie was in the oven. Two of our granddaughters, ages seven and nine, were staying over on a summer day. My wife, two granddaughters, and my dog — a mostly white golden-doodle with golden ears —Continue reading “Hornet dude, show me your stinger.”
Thanks for the memories — Colbert and Stewart
A few months ago I lost one, and now I’m about to lose another; an empty feeling, but not like losing a family member, one of my closest friends, or God forbid, my dog. I’ve never shook their hand, exchanged hugs, or offered to be their facebook friend. I suppose I consider them my imaginaryContinue reading “Thanks for the memories — Colbert and Stewart”
Be kind, if you dare.
Holiday season, new year, time to reflect on my past and ponder what lies ahead. I’ve had good years, and some that would make your skin curl. Many years of therapy, that’s what I’ve had. Some painful, as I struggled with days gone by, but the effort led to the enjoyment of being alive. LearningContinue reading “Be kind, if you dare.”
Wanna help someone?
Planned Giving to The Women’s Center Continue reading “Wanna help someone?”
Heart of Darkness: physical & sexual abuse
News release: An NFL player hurls his fist into the side of his finance’s face. Down to the floor, that’s where she fell – out cold, like a dead fish on a frozen shore. Man wanted sex, wife refused. Man head butts wife, broke her nose, punched her in the face, and threwContinue reading “Heart of Darkness: physical & sexual abuse”
Come dance with me.
It’s always there to some degree, mocking my every move. A jig, a waltz, maybe Chubby Checker’s famous twist, or a seductive embrace as we move across the floor — my dancing partner, my pain. Maybe it’s sharp, a get your attention pain; a boxer’s jab; possibly an unrelenting tooth acne; or a sustained, never-ending pain.Continue reading “Come dance with me.”