September 3, 2013 · 1:10 pm

“Warriors, come out to play…”

Author’s note: The events in this story took place in August 2012, when I was approached to write a non-fiction short story for a collection that was to be published highlighting good people doing good things. Admittedly intimidated by the idea of writing a non-fiction piece for the first time, I jumped at the opportunity none-the-less. After completing the first draft I was informed that the project had unfortunately been cancelled. I sat on this story for far too long knowing that the experience was too great not to share so here it is for your reading enjoyment, without further delay.

Sergeant Eddie Stow was a soldier in the infantry for the United States Army for 9 months before his first deployment landed him in Baqubah, Iraq for 13 ½ months. It didn’t take long after his return before a second deployment found him stationed in Mosul, Iraq for another 15 months. However, when Eddie returned from his deployment in late 2007, things weren’t quite the same for him as they were before he left. He continued his service until early 2011, but was discharged due to the chilling side effects from his time spent abroad. Eddie returned home suffering from chronic Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and traumatic brain injury. Participating in, and bearing witness to the mortal drama of gun battles took their toll on his psyche.

Meanwhile, halfway around the world, the toughest thing motorcycle racer Pete Cline was going through was what to watch on television when he was struck by a moment of inspiration. Typically, good ideas do not come from watching TV. However, every once in a while, a stroke of genius is inspired directly from the boob tube, and that is exactly what happened. Early in 2012, as Pete tuned into an episode of the hit show Top Gear, he was mesmerized by a segment that featured off-road rally racing trucks. The story focused on a team of wounded British military veterans preparing to qualify for a grueling race that takes place over nearly-impassable terrain, the Dakar Rally. The inspiration behind the team got the motorcycle racer in Pete thinking. As he kicked back in his recliner a moment of clarity broad-sided Pete; he witnessed precision training and natural instincts being put to the test by the veterans testing their knowledge and physical limits. Continue reading →

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August 21, 2013 · 11:16 am

Blogumentary: Step 3 – Writing

It’s been while since my last update, and honestly the thought did cross my mind to blow this off, but that wouldn’t be very helpful now would it?  For the 1 of you out there that might read this, trying to figure out if you want to try writing, posting my process could be beneficial.  Regardless, it serves as accountability and motivation for me, so here I am.  Okay, enough rambling.

Since my last update, I have officially started writing my first novel.  Exciting, I know.  I decided on a topic that I’m knowledgable about to make the process a whole lot easier – bikers.  At first, I cranked out a handful of pages out of sheer excitement and so I could honestly say that I had officially started writing.  Then I hit a wall.  I got stuck in one spot for months and didn’t know what to do about it.  I ended one scene but wasn’t sure how to get to the next one.  A writer friend advised me to skip ahead and start writing the next scene, then I could always go back and bridge the gap between the two once my mind was back on track.  That’s all it took.  Continue reading →

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January 16, 2013 · 3:01 pm

Blogumentary: Step 2 – Prewriting

First, let me quickly address the long hiatus.  Without getting into details, I have been overwhelmed with projects and life matters.  It happens.  I haven’t forgotten about, or given up on my writing.  I am still working on projects, even if it is at a snail’s pace.

I should also note that my zombie novel has been placed on the back burner for a while.  The ideas for my first book rapidly turned into a trilogy, and that is something that I am just not quite ready to take on.  In the meantime, I have been working on a non-fiction short story, more fictional short stories, and have been developing another idea for a single, stand-alone novel that I can write for my first book – something that is manageable and not as intimidating as a trilogy.  Let me assure you though, the ideas I have for the zombie trilogy are very solid and I am excited to see how they turn out.  Anyway, without further adieu, let’s get back to the post… Continue reading →

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July 24, 2012 · 8:53 am

Cooking & Booking

Here’s the thing – I’m bad at cooking.  So when I find something I can make, I need to make sure I don’t forget how.  Unfortunately, awhile back I forgot something that I tried once that turned out rather successful.  Since then, I’ve been trying to list all of the recipes/meals I can make.  While I was at it, I figured that there are more than likely a lot of other guys out there who have no idea how to cook for themselves.  If I can do it, then anyone can. 

Cinnamon rolls – Now don’t those look absolutely scrumptious??

So I gathered my recipes and decided to compile them into a collection (a cookbook of sorts) that I will offer through my site once I have a finished product.  So if you know anyone who is graduating from school, about to move out on their own, fears burning the house down every time they turn on the stove, or are just a man in general, then keep them in mind with this rather practical gift idea.  Once this project has been completed, you’ll notice a new page at the top of my site where you can purchase a copy…or two, or three.  So start making your list now!  Be advised that this will not be anything complicated and will only have a handful of recipes that a guy can rely on – short and sweet.

While you’re here, I’ll even let you help me name the project!  Place your vote below and help me decide on a title.

The poll has been closed.

Thank you, that is all.

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July 3, 2012 · 9:24 am

Blogumentary: Step 1 – Research

Research has never been so much fun!  I have never enjoyed doing research unless it’s for a consumer product that I am considering purchasing.  More-so, I have never enjoyed what research goes hand-in-hand with…writing a boring, pointless research paper.  (Instead, I’ll be writing a boring, pointless zombie novel!)  However, after talking with a couple of authors, I have come to realize how important and necessary research actually is.  As a writer, it is imperative to know what you’re writing about in order to portray it accurately and vividly so the reader can picture the scene in their mind’s eye.

I fully expected to have to do a minimal amount of research for this project, considering that I pride myself on being pretty informed on the subject (zombies).  The little research that I did anticipate though, which is based on geography that the plot will travel along, was bound to be tedious and mind-numbing.  Continue reading →

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June 22, 2012 · 10:43 am

Book update: Blogumentary

(Okay, so I may have just made up a word in the title of this post.  If you wanted to write a commentary or documentary on a blog, then what would you call it??)

First, a little background.  In case you’ve missed it, I’ve declared several times that I am starting to write my first book – like here, here, here, and here.  (If you were already aware of that, then thanks for checking back with me!)  I have no clue what to do, how to do it, or where to even start, so I had some meetings with a couple published authors.

I’ve been a little intimidated by the enormity of such a daunting task.  So much so, that I still haven’t completely committed myself to it.  I insist on saying things like, “I’m THINKING about MAYBE TRYING to write a novel.”  I’m basically just running in place, even right now, by simply recapping posts that I’ve already written.

Anyway, once I stated my intentions, I heard from a lot of family and friends that they have had a very similar idea and to let them know how it goes.  With that in mind, when I started to come to the realization that I would finally commit myself to writing a book, I also decided that it might be cool to write about the process itself and track my progress.  Continue reading →

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June 5, 2012 · 10:06 am

Bad Brake

(Author’s note:  IMPORTANT!  These stories are posted in reverse chronological order.  Older stories should be read first by scrolling further down on the home page.)

On a bright, hot, suburban summer day, a group of neighborhood kids were playing street hockey in the middle of the road at the end of a cul-de-sac.  Just as one of the older kids wound up to unleash a slapshot, a squeal shattered the quiet neighborhood and a loud, speeding, orange Dodge Charger fish-tailed almost uncontrollably around the corner at the other end of the street, sending the kids running for cover.

The car slowed down a bit as it neared the group of kids, and the driver waved out of the side window and smiled proudly.  The kids all grinned as their heart rates started returning to normal.  Two of the children waved back, acknowledging their father on his way home from work. 

As the driver slowed and rounded the U-turn at the end of the street, he caught a glimpse of glaring eyes coming from a window of the neighboring house.  After checking his mirrors before backing into his driveway, he glanced back to the window but there was nobody there to return his stare.  The instance was a little unsettling and gave the driver a cold chill down his spine, but he managed to shake it off without too much effort or afterthought. Continue reading →

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May 22, 2012 · 1:38 pm

Here’s a novel idea (Wink, wink)

As I’m sure some of you are aware, I’ve always had the thought that it would be cool to write a book.  Yeah, when I was a kid I wanted to write a book – forget being an astronaut/fireman/policeman/etc.  Call me a geek, that’s fine.  I can admit it. 

Here’s the problem – I have absolutely no idea what to do or how to do it.  I’ve never even taken a creative writing course.  I created my personal blog to practice writing.  I started this blog for my short stories, so I could develop my style a little.  This was all my first couple baby steps to get started.  However, I don’t really have any clue where to go from here.

I breezed through my first few short stories, and have plot outlines for several more.  One idea in particular has really been “plaguing” me lately. (Pardon the pun…it’ll make more sense in a couple of minutes.)  The problem with it though, is that it seems to have a lot more potential than to just end up as a short story.  The more I think about it, the more ideas pop into my head and the more I realize that this could be the start of my first novel.  And what better topic for me to write about than zombies?!  (I told you that horrible pun was related.)

I have since met with a couple of published authors.  They have been willing to give me their time, knowledge, and ears to help me figure out where I go from here.  I’ve got some very encouraging feedback, and actually found out that part of my process is pretty standard and even has a name!  Who’da thunk it??  This whole idea is starting to seem at least somewhat do-able.

So here I am stating my intentions to the world…I think I’m going to try to write a book!  It’s a very intimidating thought – the idea of a long-term project like this.  Knowing my lack of patience, short attention span, and very particular way of doing things, this is not going to be easy, but we’ll see what happens!  I’m sure I will post updates as things progress and maybe even post a sneak peek every once in a while so you all can see if I’m staying on track, and if it’s any good.  Who knows?  I sure don’t!

Thank you, that is all.

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December 19, 2011 · 10:22 am

Happily Ever After

John and Nancy eagerly boarded the Boeing 757, their excitement overflowing.  Less than 24 hours ago, the couple had vowed to spend the rest of their lives together…for better or for worse.  The love-struck gleam in their eyes had been glued in place and there was no sign of it disappearing anytime soon.  As they hopped and skipped down the aisle, John offered Nancy the window seat, to which she countered by graciously bowing and replied, “Thank you, Sidney.”  She was referring to his name as it appeared on his passport, and now their marriage certificate, then playfully elbowed him in the ribs.

She had recently discovered his given birth name, and began teasing him about it and for hiding it from her for as long as he did.  John was slightly sensitive regarding his first name, considering it to be too feminine, so he generally deferred to using his middle name.

As the plane left the gate at the Louisville International Airport and began to taxi around the tarmac, John looked over at Nancy with an uneasy look on his face.  “It’s going to be a long flight…” he said dryly.  “I bet this is how Buddy Holly must have felt.”  Nancy knew that John didn’t handle roller coasters very well, and the feeling that a plane gives when taking off is very similar.  She cast him a reassuring smile before reaching up and opening the air blower over John’s head, then placed her hand on his knee for comfort.  They both got lost in the gleam of the shiny new set of rings on Nancy’s left ring finger.  The diamond was a little understated due to John’s level of income, but he had made every possible effort to attain the ring that now adorned Nancy’s finger.  The jet engines began to whine, and the couple braced themselves before the plane rocketed down the runway.  The nose tipped upward as the plane lifted off, and John felt the g-forces press his stomach back towards his spine. Continue reading →

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October 28, 2011 · 10:09 am

Accident Prone

Diane briskly walked out of the lecture hall after just finishing the final exam of her freshman year at Ball State University.  Hitting the steps in front of the building in a light, skipping run, she tossed her backpack in the backseat of the waiting Mustang GT convertible as she approached.  She slid into the passenger seat, greeted her boyfriend with a short sigh, and blurted, “Let’s get outta here!”  Jack finished his exams the day prior and had his car loaded down and ready for their summer trip.

“How’d it go?” Jack asked, as he mashed the gas pedal and squealed off leaving a cloud of burnt rubber.  He noticed an exaggerated eye roll come from his high school sweetheart, who he’d been dating since the summer between their sophomore and junior years of high school.  “Well, at least it’s over,” he offered before anxiously changing the subject.

Continue reading →

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