New Novel JACKSON is Finalist for AWP 2025 Award for the Novel

Good news Monday. I’m happy to share that my newest novel, JACKSON, has been chosen as a finalist for the Association of Writers and Writing Programs’ 2025 Prize for the Novel. The blurb is below, if you’re curious. JACKSON is a modern-day Frankenstein tale set against the backdrop of horrific, real-life brain implant experiments conducted … Read more

Film Deal for Comet!

Good news Tuesday:  I’ve just signed a film development deal for my 2013 novel THE NIGHT OF THE COMET.  The producer is Matt Thompson, who worked for years with John Wells, whose credits include ER, The West Wing, and August: Osage County, among many other film and TV projects. Many thanks to super agent Lisa … Read more

Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival 2025!

I’m looking forward to another Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival, coming up March 26-30, 2025, at the fabulous Monteleone Hotel.  I’ll be moderating a panel of some truly wonderful local writers and photographers:  Constance Adler, Carolyn Hembree, Andy Young, Josephine Sacabo, and Jennifer Shaw.  Info below.  Come see us! Sunday, March 30 10 … Read more

“Splat from the Past” Podcast Interview

Tommy Kovac has made a name for himself interviewing actors from the 80s in his “Splat from the Past” podcast. Some of his interviewees are famous, most are obscure, but he’s genuinely excited to talk to them all.   Here’s our talk from yesterday. I’m afraid to listen to it; I suspect it’s filled with … Read more

The Great Comet of 1881

The Great Comet of 1881, as observed 142 years ago today on the night of June 25–26th.  Plate XI from Étienne Léopold Trouvelot’s “Astronomical Drawings” (1882). See more imagery of comets, meteors, meteorites and shooting stars through the ages at The Public Domain Review’s  “Flowers of the Sky,” https://buff.ly/2M7wVjn