Husband, father, communication professor, frustrated writer and novelist. I love Jesus, my wife and kids (and grandson), kayaking, football and science fiction.
We’re in the middle of final exams at my university. I’m also in the middle of a book launch. Actually, two book launches if you count the one that is being handled by Pacific Press in the Adventist Book Center system. In addition, I’m head deacon at an exceptionally busy church. So the past six … More Surveying the Wreckage of Another Year
Like most of my short stories, this one is based loosely on a dream. It was an ordinary police station, for the most part. The main desk where the sergeant usually sat was situated front and center, with half a dozen desks organized carefully in rows behind. Glass partitions separated a few, more private areas, … More Short Story: “The Night King”
Meet Connie Simescu. She’s fluent in nine languages, passable in nine more. She has a soft heart for the homeless, a wicked sense of humor, and a bad habit of getting into trouble. Connie survived an attempted kidnapping six weeks ago, thanks to her sister’s boyfriend and the grace of God. Now, despite her parents’ … More Introducing: “Soul Survivor” and Connie Simescu
We’re in the process of saying goodbye to a good friend and colleague in our department. Kyle Portbury, professor and filmmaker extraordinaire, is returning to Australia with his family after four years of teaching at our small university in north Texas. We’ve all grown very close, and it’s hard to say goodbye, but it’s one … More It’s Not About the Money. (Trust me.)
In the next few days, we’ll be putting the finishing touches on the cover of Soul Survivor, my latest Christian suspense novel. I’m really excited about it, especially since it combines characters from two of my favorite series, The Champion Series, and The Foundation Series. Here’s another look at it and some of the people … More Quick Look: Soul Survivor #2
Back in 1993, then Phoenix Suns basketball star Charles Barkley declared, “I am not a role model.” The issue was that he just wanted to play basketball, and his fame was getting in the way. However, the reality was that as he became more well known, his responsibility went beyond what he did on the … More A Writer’s Duty
I’m writing this next to a picture window larger than the big screen TV I have at home, looking out at the passing north Texas landscape. Shelly and I are sneaking away for two and a half days of sublime retreat in San Antonio at the beginning of Spring Break. In this year of austerity—we’re … More Thoughts from a Slow Moving Train
LOVE IS A LIFETIME Young people don’t know What love is. They think they know But what they see is passion, or the shadow of love Or the promise of love. Passion is a pinch of black powder set off with a match. It’s there and it’s gone. It doesn’t depend on anything … More In Honor of Valentine’s Day
In coming days, I’ll be sharing some scenes from the upcoming book, Soul Survivor. If you liked The Champion Trilogy, or if you liked The Key of Solomon, you’ll be pleased to know that Soul Survivor features characters from both series. Strange, I know. I’m not sure exactly how well it’s all going to work … More Quick Look: Soul Survivor #1
You’ve had them to yourself for a long time. Perhaps years. You’ve done your best by them. You’ve tried to raise them up right. But face it. You don’t know everything. It’s time to call in the professionals. I’m talking, of course, about when it comes time to send your manuscript off to an editor. … More Sending the Kids Off to School
