: About Me

I am a graduate of the USC School of Journalism from the previous century. When I discovered what Journalists made, I abandoned idealism and decided food, shelter and raising a family were better alternatives. Now that the children are grown, I am once again drawn to my muse. I have accomplished the following:

Written my first one act play, "Extras", which had its world premiere at the Jewel Box Theater in Hollywood - semi-good review from Backstage West.

Written my first novel, Detour, which is currently in need of an agent. Surprisingly, none are lined up outside my house yet.

Written the screenplay based on the book, which is 30 pages too long. My wife has been assigned that editing duty since she works cheap and it distracts her when I'm secretly playing on line poker.

Next book takes place in Chicago. I need to make a million dollars in the next two weeks so I can rent a home there to get a feel for the local flavor.

Just joined Helium. We'll see what happens.

My passion is ...

Writing

I know too much about ...

the Viet Nam war

My parents always told me ...

be self-reliant

My childhood ambition ...

was to be a great novelist

My favorite memory ...

my first hickey sitting on a bench with Lani

Why I write ...

to exorcise the demons that drive me

What I am reading/watching/listening to ...

CSPAN

My first job ...

flipping burgers at Gino's Hamburgers

My best moment ...

watching my fraternity brothers dance at a party in 1977

My inspiration ...

Obama

Creative Writing > Memoirs Memoirs: Childhood memories

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A MOTHER'S INSTINCTS I didn't notice the nest right away. My wife pointed it out after I got home from work. Leading me to a beam holding up the awning in our tiny courtyard, she pointed out a tuft of twigs and needles delicately balanced on the narrow two by four and marveled at the intricacy of its interlaced patterns. I just saw a bunch of garbage on my beam and wanted to knock it down. Fear of offending nature (and more importantly, my wife!) kept my hands in my pockets. Returning from work the next evening, I met the artist in residence, a tiny bird squatting on her creation. In the s...

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• Helium Charter Member