Blog #160; Genre Writing

 When I was younger (and more foolish), I thought genre fiction equaled pulp fiction, that is, something below purely "literary" writing.  I have come to believe after many years, that quality writing is just that: quality.  It is done well and with a certain sense of style, regardless of what "category" it fits into.  Lately, I have been experimenting with mystery/suspense, and I have gotten some positive feedback from those markets that specialize in suspense.  I am embarking now on a suspense novel and hope to have it out in the next year or two.  Wish me luck!

Also, if you can think of any short story markets that specialize in suspense fiction, please let me know...

Blog #159; The Great Courses Plus; "A Literary Tour of the United States"

 For those of you who are not aware, there is a fun and fascinating series of talks available in the Great Courses Series.  My favorite so far is "A Literary Tour of the US" followed closely by Professor Barnhardt's series on the Mayans. If you are a naturally curious person, or just like learning new things, The Great Courses is for you: History, Politics, Literature, the Sciences the Arts, are all covered.  Interesting courses like the one on Irish culture and the Irish renaissance are a treasure trove of fascinating information.

Free Giveaway for Redemption and Other Stories, July 18-20; if you want access to the audio version of the collection, contact me here

 For a limited time, get my latest story collection for FREE!!  If you would rather listen to the audio version, contact me at provocanyonreview@gmail.com

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Blog # 158; Happy Independence Day!! One Giant step forward for freedom that we hold dear!

 This week my novella about love and war is available for you to read for free this weekend.  Don't miss out on this critically aclaimed aimed at a YA audience.  The long awaited sequel to this novella will be out this summer. 

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Blog # 157; June 25-27th of 2025 my collection, REDEMPTION STORIES, will be available for free.

 June 25-27th of 2025 my collection, REDEMPTION STORIES, will be available for free. Find it here:

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Blog #156; Intimations of Mortality

 Earlier in my writing career, I was preoccupied with the shelf-life of my books, and the lasting power of my stories.  These days I take the long view with my writing.  When I develop stories now I think first of my readers who actually read my stories.  In a more illusory time, I imagined a Fitzgerald or even Tolstoy track record for my writing.  Now I am a bit more realistic about my views for the future.  Truth be told, I have no idea who actually reads my stories.  A small audience, I'm sure. 

Blog #155; Working on My Novel

 This is just an update on the progress on my novel "CONTRITION".

The novel is coming along nicely, and it has become a broader and wider scale than I expected.  CONTRITION is a supernatural tale and a family epic about Hyrum Fratelli and his family in the 20 th century, particularly in the world wars.  Hyrum finds a spiritual companion in an unlikely place, a German veteran of the war.  They share philosophical musings about the nature of life, death, and war.  His wife, Liegh, is baffled by this new friendship that Hyrum has struck up but is glad for the company for her lonely husband.

Willie, the German companion, appears to be able to cross the veil and brings Hyrum's dead son back for a brief bitter-sweet reunion.