The Art of the Short Novel

I’m fascinated, obsessed may be a better term, with word count. I want to make sure I reach the magical number of 50,000 words when writing a novel. Native Moments is around 95,000 words. Perhaps a bit on the long side. As of now, Panhandlers is just above 58,000 words and I’m working on paring it down to get it as tight and precise as … Continue reading The Art of the Short Novel

Panhandlers, A Novel in Stories Book Cover Reveal 

It’s been a few days over a year since my debut novel, Native Moments, was published. It’s been fun. The best part is seeing the reviews or having people tell you that they read it and liked it. When it was first released, it was #1 on Amazon’s new release list for Surfing. It reached as high as number #7 in Surfing after it was … Continue reading Panhandlers, A Novel in Stories Book Cover Reveal 

Native Moments: photos and corresponding pages -part 2 

Forgot about these photos from my recent trip to Costa Rica.  Pedro’s was first introduced in Native Moments on page 80 when Sanch and Jake first order the whole fried red snapper meal. This is where the Pescador once stood. A few scenes took place here. Jake playing jump pool and Sanch eating ceviche for the first time (page 211). Unfortunately the Pescador burned down … Continue reading Native Moments: photos and corresponding pages -part 2 

Upcoming Book Signings 

Have two book signings set up in January. If you are nearby, stop by and say hey.  January 14th – 2pm – 4pm – Sundog Books; Seaside,  Florida. 30a Songwriter’s Festival will be going on, too. I’ll be on torch looking for a miracle to the Todd Snider show.  January 28th – 2pm – 4pm – Jaime Peligro’s Book Store; Tamarindo, Costa Rica. I’ll be … Continue reading Upcoming Book Signings 

Making your Family Vacations a Work Trip

After visiting Costa Rica in 1999, I told myself I wouldn’t return until I wrote novel and got it published. 17 years later, I’m returning. It took much longer than I expected. Many years of self-doubt and work and starting a business and starting a family made writing increasingly difficult. But on January 24th, I’m heading back to Costa Rica with my wife and daughter. … Continue reading Making your Family Vacations a Work Trip

Another Alternative Setting for a Book Signing

I set up a book signing at Waterboyz surf shop in Pensacola, FL for Saturday the 24th. Again, trying different settings as opposed to a book store for selling books. In these alternative settings – breweries, surf shops, etc – there isn’t direct competition like in a bookstore where people have thousands of other books to choose from. And books from authors they have heard … Continue reading Another Alternative Setting for a Book Signing