OOGIE BOOGIE CENTRAL - Featuring Steve's Vent

A few days ago, while scrolling through Facebook, I happened across one of those anonymous memes, cutesy script on a purple background, extolling the virtues of what the unknown author -and by extension, the poster- claimed were the province of a "real woman." In less words than are used to describe a pasta entree at the local franchised Italian restaurant, the nameless meme-maven stated that a real woman eschews drama and avoids wasting time on people that "don't matter." Noble attributes to be sure, but hardly sufficient proof of authenticity. But the Hallmark-lite pablum, composed by someone with a trial version of Photoshop and too much time on their hands, isn't what struck me. I'm certain the mastermind of this web-based fortune cookie had the best intentions, maybe even splashed a few tears on the keyboard, but I believe each subsequent like and share diminished whatever sentiment this person originally meant to express. Which b...

5) Regardless of your e-reader of choice, the price of Legerdemain is about the same as the price of a gallon of gas, and while Legerdemain won't get you from Point A to Point B, you'll enjoy the ride with Philip Ducalion a lot more. 4) You've always wanted to read something of mine (that's right, I'm talking to you), but you have a hard time with the scary. Relax. Even though it features two characters from my previous novels, Legerdemain is an Oogie Boogie Free-Zone. 3) Fans of Leroy Jethro Gibbs will love Philip Ducalion, and at latest count, there are quite a few fans of Leroy Jethro Gibbs. 2) You always wondered about that smart-ass detective who showed up in the middle of Oogie Boogie Central, didn't you? Legerdemain has the answers you've been wanting. 2b) Two words: Keith Pridemore And finally: 1) When you don't read Legerdemain, I don't receive any royalties. When I don't receive any royalties, I can't afford to pay my rent. When...

My brother Mikey's eulogy: In the Gospel of John, Jesus tells his disciples: “In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so , I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”           If me quoting scripture surprises you, imagine my surprise at the comfort these words have given me over the past few days.   I couldn’t remember the exact wording without looking it up, but the spirit of that passage has run through my thoughts, again and again, ever since Friday morning.           It’s something Mikey would do. “I’ll go on ahead,” I can imagine him saying.   “I’ll get things ready for you.”   It’s what I picture him doing now, in the company of family and friends who have gone before, easing the way for those of us who are sure to follow.           Mikey left us too soon, but not as soon as he could have. ...

. . . devoured in less than a seven-day span. I think we all know what that means. Well, at least I know what it means, or-more specifically-what it means for Keith Pridemore. Narrative thread? Yup, finally doing it right. But Then Again, You'll Have This . . .

And you need to start filling it, you might want to try either here for Amazon or here for Barnes & Noble . If you already have one, then what the hell have you been waiting for? And by the way, Merry Christmas to all (and if you know me at all, you know that this is the first time I've said this in three decades without a sneer, or a sudden need to hurl). But Then Again, You'll Have This . . .

This short story hasn't seen the light of day since 2003's The Fear Within , but I always liked it. Short and Scary Stories is hosting it, and it's pulled in a few positive reviews already. You should check it out here . But Then Again, You'll Have This . . .