Here’s a little background on The Punch List, released today. It was originally planned to be the fourth in the series, but on the advice of my writing guru, I put The Last Resort out first, since it concentrated on a radio shock jock, which was more topical at...
This is a short story based on a Lou Reed song originally written for an anthology. Some prominent crime writers were asked to contribute, including my friend Reed Farrel Coleman. Sadly, the book’s editor died before publication and no one rose to take his...
I didn’t take notice of a slightly built older man who sidled up next to me, long neck Budweiser in hand. He said, “Hey man, this seat taken?” His voice sounded friendly and the accent familiar but I was in no mood for the company of strangers. I’d share my troubles...
Spontaneity is overrated. Greats like Frank Sinatra and Bob Dylan are legendary for eschewing multiple efforts designed to hone the original performance. Orson Welles once responded to a producer, “the proper reading is the one I’m giving you.” There...
Actually, I do. But no matter how much you think you know, there are always gaps in your knowledge. Italy in World War Two is a great example. We know about Il Duce and the trains running on time, and Patton racing Monty up the peninsula but most of us know very...
We lost a great writer today. Frank Deford. There is a school of thought that sportswriters should be like umpires, if you notice the writing, they are doing something wrong. The prose should be easily understandable, simple declarative sentences, small words. That...
