Character names are more important than many authors, especially beginning ones, realize. I read a book a few years back, in which most of the main characters were given two first names, as in Bob Charles, John Thomas, Nancy Henry, etc. Not only are the names generic (showing almost no thought on the part of…

When I’m not running a communications company and/or working on Las Vegas novels, I do a little writing consulting in my spare time. In fact, the only thing I like better than writing is talking about writing. So it makes sense. About 20 percent of what I discuss with my writing clients involves technical problems…

While working on the first draft of my new Las Vegas ghost novel, The House Always Wins, (release date: Oct. 1, 2017), I experienced every author’s worst nightmare: I lost a chapter. After breaking out into flop sweat, hyperventilating to the point of hallucinations, pacing the room like a death row inmate, and kicking a…

Here’s a short story I wrote based loosely on my favorite uncle’s trip to Las Vegas a few years back.   “Hello, Mitch,” said the deep voice on the phone. “It’s Cousin Larry.” My stomach tightened. Whenever Larry from Detroit calls, it’s bad news. “What’s up, Cuz?” I asked, trying to sound casual. “How’s Uncle…

Here’s a short story I wrote last year after attending a motivational seminar against my better judgment. Hope you enjoy it. BE GRATEFUL FINAL

I turn 60 in less than a week. As you might expect, I’ve been giving it a lot of thought. Here’s what I’ve come up with: It happens fast – My dad told me this many years ago and he was righ It’s like your car’s gas tank; the first half takes forever to go…

I just watched “Lost in Translation” for only the second time since its release in 2003 and it occurred to me that the film contains relationship lessons that can serve my grandson well when he gets a little older. Aaron is almost 13 and, although he’s a handsome lad (if I can indulge in some…

Recently a thread has been bumping around on social media called “Ten Books that Have Stayed with You.” This doesn’t necessarily refer to the ten greatest books you’ve ever read, but more to the ones you think about from time to time, the ones that have become part of who you are. With that in…