This is “According to Hoyle” day, the anniversary of the death of Edmond Hoyle in 1769. He is believed to have studied law, and gave instructions in London in the playing of the game of whist. He published a “Short Treatise” on the rules in 1742, and hence the expression, “according to Hoyle” connotes playing...Read More
Sir Walter Scott once said, “I care not who knows it–I write for the general amusement.” Which must be how many of the Olympians feel this week, knowing they are not on pace for a World Record but they will have fun–in the pool, on the track, on the beach, on the course. Even Katie...Read More
FACEBOOK reminded me that two years ago today, I posted the following: When is losing like winning? When there are 1300 entries and your story makes the top 45! The story, When Walls Weep, is excerpted in part from an unpublished novel, One for the Ark, and placed on the long list for the Raymond...Read More
January 15, 2106–We’ve been at this writing thing together for more than three years now, a total of 43 columns so far, and I hope you are near the end of your first novel — or at least the end of your first draft of your first novel. This is the point when...Read More
Writer’s Digest’s February issue is dedicated to “Master the Business of Writing” and excerpts (with permission and attribution) several pages from LCA’s BOOK LAW FOR AUTHORS. Quite a thrill for LCA, my co-author David Creasey and our editor Jason Koransky. As I just gave up my license to practice (retired), this is legal information only! As...Read More
Colum McCann’s Letter to a Young Writer resonates with this old writer as well. Wish I’d written it. It’s pretty short, each sentence a meditation. I guarantee you’ll be inspired if you follow the link!Read More
Happy to report that a novella, The Jane (excerpted from my draft novel Womb) has been short-listed for the William Wisdom-William Faulkner Prize for a Novella. In addition, my current novel-in-progress, Harmony’s Peace & Joy has been shortlisted in that category!Read More
Looking forward to speaking at Chicago Writers Conference on September 26 at 3 pm. My session is a “small session” where participants can “ask a lawyer anything.” I attended CWC last year and was impressed by the high quality of the presentations. I’ll also be selling copies of LCA’s Book Law for Authors for $10 for...Read More
From Amicus Scriptor, August 28, 2015: Although I fully retired from the practice of law a few months ago, as we approach September I again feel — as I do every year — the “back-to-school” excitement of my youth. New teacher! New clothes! (Well, at least a new uniform!) New school supplies!Read More
“How beautiful it is to do nothing and then rest afterwards.” So says the Spanish proverb, loaded as it is with spiritual instruction on humility, the passing of time, the transience of footprints on the beach. Beautiful, perhaps, but difficult.Read More
