Every beginning writer asks, “What should I write?” The answer most often given is to ‘write what you know.’ This advice often leads to terrible stories in which nothing interesting ever happens. 

The only thing certain in life may be death and taxes, but I don’t have to die every year. Yes, time to write Uncle Sam a check. What would I do with that money? Pay down my mortgage? Paint my bathroom? Sensible, practical and boring… Why not take guitar lessons so I can play a searing rendi…

I’m a working class guy—born of farmers, factory workers, truck drivers, and laborers. Both my parents are veterans. I guess that is why I think of the enlisted man–the guys and gals who drive the tank, repair the helicopter, get things done—when Veteran’s Day rolls around. You know, the grunts.

“There it is again,” he muttered. “Sounds just like a little one crying for his mama. No wonder this part of the canyon used to spook the Injuns.”

Seconds, little pieces of forever, crawling towards 5 p.m. and quitting time. I’m drained of essence, toiling away, no window, no outlet, no wind in my face, just an organized version of Hell, but with more paperwork.

It’s been a long day, and now it’s a dreary night. Icy pellets rattle against the window, and the damp cold seeps into my body. A good warm fire and a snort of brandy is just the thing I need to ease into my evening and soothe my wearied bones, and nothing goes better with a crackling fire t…