Slipstream

In 1986, I fell from a helicopter and broke both arms and both legs. I was living in a cabin in the Rockies at the time. No plumbing. Only wood for heat. And small spikes on my crutches so I could manage the snow and ice. That was after I was out of the wheelchair.

At some point, I got down to one cast and no hardware and no crutches, only a cane, so I flew to Mexico and wrote a book that was eventually published on toilet paper. “Read ’em and wipe.” I came up with that.

In Mexico, I had to wrap my cast in Neoprene so I could stand in the water. Sometimes the Neoprene leaked, but not too bad.

I returned from Mexico and hung out in my cabin and let the rest of me heal. I sometimes painted signs and made stained glass windows and played guitar. Then I moved to Santa Fe and worked in the governor’s office during one of the state’s legislative seasons. Shortly after the politicians went home, I had a dream I should relocate to the Northwest. I hit the road within a week and have been here ever since. Now I write. I edit. I blog. I sometimes teach. And sometimes too I pay my bills.

I’ve been writing and editing and doing that sort of thing for well over 20 years now. My works include the novel Dancing the River Lightly (ebook and hard copy), the ebook publishing guide Ebook Now, and the 5-Spot ebook travel series. (Notice I didn’t mention the toilet paper book.)

I’ve also written an assortment of material for both print and online publications, including news stories, feature articles, restaurant reviews, marketing copy, legal summaries, training material, short stories, and articles about technology. Years ago, I even wrote an advice column, back when I thought I had advice worth giving. And let’s not forget my degree—an MFA in creative writing. Given what it cost, I should at least be able to mention it.

Plus, I’ve won several writing awards, and I’m a member of the Northwest Independent Editors Guild. I’m also an associate editor for the literary magazine Silk Road Review.