Real Stories on youtube has acquired the BBC4 Tom Thumb documentary that I was part of, and in some ways shaped with my book Becoming Tom Thumb: Charles Stratton, P.T. Barnum, and the Dawn of American Celebrity. It includes me saying the word "erotic" on network television, so that's something. Seriously, though, it is a fine documentary about one of Connecticut's favorite sons...and the world's first international celebrity.
Even More Reviews and Articles
I have another review up at Empty Mirror Books, of Eugen Herrigel's Zen and the Art of Archery. And I have another article up at Berfrois, on Sherlock Holmes, demon hounds, and the need for evidence-based scientific review. That's 14 articles I've written since December (a few of which have not come out yet). I'm working on another dozen, along with a new novel, and a new history book.
More Reviews at Empty Mirror
Check out my review of William Kotzwinkle's Swimmer in the Secret Sea and my review of J.D. Salinger's Catcher in the Rye at Empty Mirror Books.
Intervew and Article on Shadows of Paris
Check out the article and interview by the wonderful Amy Barry at the New London Day.
The Darkest Book of All
Check out my latest review/essay on Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness at Berfrois.
Used Books vs. Collectible Books
Check out my article on book barns, and the proper way (from the consumer's perspective) to make a successful used book store. On one of my favorite sites, Empty Mirror Books.
Portrait by Arib Alajmi
Recently, a former student of mine, Arib Alajmi, did this wonderful portrait of me. You can follow her wonderful art on Instagram or twitter.
Holes in the Canon: The Hartford Wits and Literary History
Check out my latest essay up on Queen Mob's Teahouse, on the Hartford (or Connecticut) Wits and their place in literary history. It is a plea for more historicity in our curriculum choices...but no, wait! It's actually a fun read. Check it out.
Article on our Collaboration
Amy and I were recently the subject of a wonderful article in the Connecticut Post. Read it here. We now have had a major feature article on the two of us in the four biggest Connecticut papers. (as well as many 'minor' ones) Next up, the New York Times? Well, a guy can dream.
Yours Truly at Queen Mob's Teahouse
Read my essay on the gentle art of writing letters on Queen Mob's Teahouse.
Black Tie Lunchbox
My good friend J. Timothy Quirk and comedienne KJ Johansen interviewed me on their excellent show on KBJB. Check out my appearance on the podcast Black Tie Lunchbox!
History's Continuum
Recently my wife (pictured here) and I were honored that the University of Bridgeport asked us to write a poem to be put on the outside of a time capsule in the new dormitory. They had it carved (?) onto this plaque, and it will be there for the next fifty years until it is opened. I think they put a couple of our books inside, too. It is a great privilege.
Pushcart Prize Nomination and Ebook
The Shadows of Paris ebook is out! Get a copy here. And even better news - the publisher nominated it for a Pushcart Prize! Fingers crossed.
Writing, Hiking, Traveling
Amy and I were the subject of an article by Mary Ann Lynch in the Hartford Courant, called "Writing, Hiking, Traveling Keep Them Together." Not the usual kind of 'author' article, it is really a story of our relationship. It's a nice little feature. Check it out here.
First Two Reviews of Shadows of Paris!
Reviews of my new novel are up at Kirkus Reviews and Necromancy Never Pays. If you need convincing to get yourself a copy, check them out!
Marilyn Nelson
Over the past couple years Amy and I have become friends with Marilyn Nelson, one of Connecticut's most valuable and famous poets. I use her book The Freedom Business in my Connecticut history class at the University of Bridgeport, and her interweaving of history and poetry has been inspiring. The photo above is from a recent trip we took to Weir Farm National Historic Site (accompanied by Bessy Reyna and Susan Holmes). I feel blessed and honored to have been able to spend time with Marilyn, and I look forward to more adventures in poetry and life.
Shadows of Paris Released
My new novella, Shadows of Paris, was just released. I couldn't be happier. Those who have read it say its the best thing I've ever done, and I've had quite a few "you made me cry, you @$^%&*." You can read the beginning of the book here, if you want a preview before purchasing this exciting new arrival.
Tom Thumb and Benedict Arnold on WMRD/WLIS
Go to this link and click on the 'on demand' button and "Tom Thumb Author" to hear my conversation with Don Decesare on WLIS/WMRD.
Benedict Arnold on WNPR's Colin McEnroe Show
Tracking
Released next week - Wildness: Voices of the Sacred Landscape, which includes a creative nonfiction piece of mine about, you guessed it, tracking animals. Click on the picture to find out more.