Prior to working on the biography of Libbie Custer’s life, I assumed she wasn’t aware that George drank, played cards, and bet on the horses. But George was completely forthcoming about his vices before they married. Libbie decided to ignore his shortcomings and even went so far as to write her cousin and boast her read more…

The most popular edict among women today is that their father’s raped them as children. The deadly accusation destroys lives and requires nothing to back up such a statement. The popular thought is that this statement is so horrible no one would make it up. What would be in it for them? In the case read more…

Prior to marrying George Custer a good friend of Libbie’s gave her some sage advise. “General Custer has elements of character which will develop…and, dear girl, some of that development rests with you.” Any character Libbie was unable to develop while they were married, she improved after he was killed. I’m fascinated with Libbie’s story read more…

Nothing has been the same since my brother went to prison five years ago. Not only is has his constant care become a responsibility I never would have imagined I’d have to deal with, but it has eroded away at my hope. No matter what I was involved in prior to this life altering experience read more…

Inspiration. Webster defines it as a “high level of feeling or activity.” Wikipedia defines inspiration as the “arousal of the mind to special activity or creativity.” However it’s defined I don’t feel I have it anymore. I used to have such dreams about writing. Lack of true success in that area has left me uninspired. read more…

I began this section of the website a few years ago to journal the daily life of a writer. By now the average visitor to the site is painfully aware of just how boring it can be. I enjoy writing – right now I’m working on a biography about Elizabeth Custer. The research is enjoyable read more…

A week ago I was doing a book signing at Linda’s Old West Books in Tombstone, Arizona. While I was there I met a writer who had co-authored a book about the place many refer to as “the town too tough to die.” At some point during the signing the affable author mentioned that she read more…

Some of the finest writing I’ve ever read was penned by screenwriter David Webb Peoples. Peoples wrote the Unforgiven and I think it’s a brilliant piece of film writing. I couldn’t help thinking about one of the final scenes in the screenplay this morning. Seeking vengeance isn’t right, but in a well written western it’s read more…

Although I was able to reconnect with some wonderful people from my past this Labor Day weekend, my 30 year class reunion was not without its awkward moments. The most memorable of the awkward moments occurred when I was asked to read a note I had written in one of my former classmate’s yearbook. Alfonso read more…

Author Chuck Parsons forwarded a sonnet to me by Michener and I wanted to share it. “When people saw that I might be a writer a wise man gave advice profound and sane: I know that you by nature are a fighter but when the critics blast, you can’t complain. For that’s their job so read more…