Works That Inspire Writing Day 2: Fahrenheit 451

Of all of Ray Bradbury’s novels this one has to be my favorite. It is his most critically acclaimed novel and his most controversial. I honestly think that many of the ideas expressed in the novel are timeless and nothing could be further from the truth in our current political climate in the United States.

The Elephant In the Room: My Next Novel and It’s Hopeful Impact

Wow.  It’s been a long time since I’ve posted to this blog. Honestly it’s been an insane two months. On December 5th, my 76 year old mother entered the hospital because of complications following a routine colonoscopy, and I only brought her home a week ago Thursday.  She developed a bleed that wouldn’t stop, so

New Podcast Up: R Rated Rant

This episode is devoted to our lament over the fact that Marvel has gone down the rated “R” road with Deadpool, which we feel is really un-necessary. Marvel will now make a slew of these kinds of films, and even though they will probably be pretty successful, we really don’t want the term “fanboy” to

Oklahoma Education Rally: Were We Heard?

Yesterday I attended what is becoming an annual event in my state: the Oklahoma Education Rally.  I made several signs, but in the end I didn’t take them, choosing to go with my friend Michael Dean (featured on this week’s podcast) as he talked to our representatives, and then live tweet the entire experience.  I didn’t

Why My Latest Novel Really Does Predict Current Events

Everyone including myself (save the United States government) seems to think that attacking Syria is a terrible idea.  As I write this post President Obama is inching ever closer to a strike against Assad while Russia bolsters its naval forces in the region in an expectation of an attack against their ally.  Not only that,

Gifted and Talented Youngsters: Enrichment for Future Dreams

Today was a very special day in the life of my little 9 year old Leigha Colby.  She is my middle daughter, sometimes feels left out, yet like all of my children has a special talent or gift.  Where my oldest son Conner is gifted in deep love for others and my oldest daughter Kaylee

Generous Benefactors: Why Must Sports Get All The Money?

Today I read a story from the Los Angeles Times about Helen Zell, wife of billionaire Sam Zell who just donated $50 million to the University of Michigan for creative writing programs.  I applaud the Zell’s for their generosity, but this is very rare in the world of philanthropy. Most of the philanthropic efforts being

Raising a Preemie: My Son’s Current Predicament

Yesterday my wife and I took my son Conner to an endocrinologist to discuss the fact that his bone growth is two years behind what it should be.  This is all due to the fact that my son was born at 24 weeks, weighed 1 lb. 8 oz., and was 12 inches long.  The doctor

The Truth About Being a Public School Teacher

Sometimes former students will pop by my classroom and inform me that they are pursuing a teaching degree, and when I ask them why they usually tell me that “so-and-so” inspired them or they just want to be a positive influence on students or something along that line.  I congratulate them, and then I sit

2 Days Until My Book Releases…Or the World Ends

I received the book back from the proofer (quick job, but thorough) and am finally finished with all the corrections.  Book 3 will hit the Kindle and Nook market on Friday on schedule…unless the world ends. I feel strange since finishing this novel that took about 18 months of my life to complete.  I’m looking