Not About Lumberjacks

In this behind-the-scenes look at the latest Not About Lumberjacks story, I get personal and talk about why a character in “Godspeed, Crazy Mike” has Tourette syndrome…and how I approach writing about people with disorders and disabilities… Episode Transcript >>

Crazy Mike is dead behind the maintenance barn and the quaking bog man is missing. It’s up to detectives Gary Vandiver and Beatrice Mule to figure out what happened in this mystery set in a bog in northern Illinois. Content Advisory: “Godspeed, Crazy Mike” deals with murder, speculation of suicide, divorce (including a custody battle), […]

At 10,308 words, “Gerald’s Grail” is the longest Not About Lumberjacks story to date! (And will likely hold the record, ’cause DANG…that was quite a thing to edit!) I’ll let you in on a little secret: “Gerald’s Grail” could easily be a novel. (And trust me, I’ve given it some thought.) But…it’s not the only […]

While knocking around an antique shop with his grandmother, a teenage geek finds something that changes his life in a most curious way… Content Advisory: Bullying, violence (including passing mention of the Cambodian genocide of the 70s), teen tobacco and alcohol use, and — of course — swearing. And if you’re so inclined, be sure […]

It’s not uncommon for people to assume stories are a reflection of the author — especially stories in which an author features a writer as a protagonist. “Revisions” is about a writer who was raised by a single mother. Some people who know me mentioned they felt it was heavily influenced by my mother. I […]

An author tries to finish construction on her recently-deceased mother’s home while writing her second novel — the follow up to a New York Times Best Seller. Content Advisory: Death of a parent and struggles with self doubt. (For once, no swearing!) And if you’re so inclined to pitch in and help the farm animal […]

It was a strange year, but also a productive year for Not About Lumberjacks. As we close out 2021, some thoughts on the year that was…and some hopes for the year ahead… Episode Transcript >>

Four stories, most of which take place during the holiday season...

“In Cypress Slough” includes two gay characters, but it’s not a story about being gay in East Texas. In this behind-the-scenes look at the latest Not About Lumberjacks story, I talk about representation, the stories I’d never write (and why), and how I approach writing disenfranchised characters who have experienced lives I can only imagine. […]

Two deadhead loggers find something remarkable in the Piney Woods of East Texas, putting them at odds with a large timber company.