Category Archives: writing

The Master has Passed

One of my all-time writing heroes and one of the greatest influences on my writing has passed. All hail The Master, Elmore Leonard. If you don’t know him, click on the link and discover one of America’s all-time great storytellers. … Continue reading

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Ten Things That Block Writing, or Reveal A Truth

It often seems everyone wants to write, but honestly, how many actually get the writing done? There’s a huge difference in those two figures. One of the reasons most often cited by struggling writers is difficulty in finding the time. … Continue reading

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Not EVERYTHING is about race

On Facebook today, someone shared the racist comments made about Marc Anthony when he sang the National Anthem before the All-Star Game this week. Anti-Mexican slurs flowed, suggesting Anthony, who I believe is a Native New Yorker, had no right … Continue reading

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The USA is stronger than a magazine cover

There is a controversy now about the latest cover of Rolling Stone Magazine. It features an apparently cleaned up version of a headshot of Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, the surviving Boston Bomber. Some say Rolling Stone has made him “look like a … Continue reading

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What do we do after Zimmerman? Listen to Abuela

In the aftermath of the Zimmerman acquittal, with factions still wounded by the decision, groups still debating what happened, how it happened, what went right, what went wrong, and what it all means for the Americas (white America, black America, … Continue reading

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To self-publish or not to self-publish?

Indie Author News has published “Should You Self-Publish Your First Book?” seen on Scott Berkun’s website. I am in no way The Expert, but I believe, as a self-publisher who has won two awards for my first novel City of … Continue reading

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An Open Message to Graduates from a Parent

As we approach the solemn occasion of your high school graduation, it seems an appropriate time for parental confession. Here it is. We parents are liars, and have been lying to you for your whole lives. Please forgive us, but … Continue reading

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On Writing: Penning Permission

Joanna Penn, a writer, author and blogger you must find if you do not currently follow her, got mad recently, reacting to “an article that came out this week on one literary agent’s blog about whether your publisher will let … Continue reading

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Tables Turned: someone else writes about me

So today, a very good article about me arrived. I believe in local journalism, and in utilizing it to build your base. Here’s hoping you find this article interesting. http://fb.me/2mLGXmJ5i Christopher Ryan is author of City of Woe, available on … Continue reading

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What Message the Boston Marathon Bombing Really Sends

I have been struggling with what to say to my junior and senior students about the Boston Marathon bombings. I hate that this is the “latest terror attack” – the phrase delivers the twin defeats of acknowledging we now have … Continue reading

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