Photo by: Nicole LeBas

Long Day’s Journey to the Writing Life

American born, small town roots, urban sensibility, fascinated at an early age with books, history, ideas, art, music, culture, too many interests to indulge any given one, amid the pleasures, demands and distractions of childhood.

As a young man, I wanted more than I could possibly have, the knowledge and wisdom of the great books, but I had too much else in play, too much life to live, to seclude myself in dialogue with masterpieces. The time had not yet come. The ambition had not yet found its purpose. College, marriage, kids, and a tour of duty as an officer in the U.S. Army took precedence.

The study of law, and a career as an attorney, marked the next stage, an enlightening experience, to tap into the essence of the nation, the ordering of society, ancient ideas applied to the problems and issues of the present day. Law practice proved to be a great blessing, providing well for me and my family, allowing me to strive for what is right and true, and leading to enduring friendships.

Even so, I knew all along that I had another purpose, another calling, a dream deferred: to pour a lifetime of learning, wit, and experience into creative work. Now, in the prime of life, no longer young, not yet old, I’ve come to answer the call.