My Books

When I meet people who ask what I do, I say “I am many things: a retired academic librarian, a piper, a husband, a grandfather and a writer.

At night, I think about where a story should go. Usually I resume writing in the afternoon and go into the evening. Some stories take a long time. The Nikon book and Taken Beyond the Ohio both involved years of research before I started to write.

Most of my stories begin with an image or a ‘What if?’ Often I start writing from that image and then my characters and their problems or challenges take control from there.

My grandmother, Sue May Gill, a dedicated professional artist who always believed I had talent.

When I type “the End” to a manuscript—which is only a beginning. Holding the finished, published book in my hands—which is also little more than the first step to more writing.

The networking and friends I have made who support what I am doing.

Writing about my work, including doing things like scripting webpages.

Worrying about the world we are forcing on our grandchildren.

My phone, my hearing aids in a Nikon box given to me by Goto-San—set on a small Navajo rug.

My iMac, and my cameras.

My personal motto: “Cave id esse fas.” Beware that it be right.

I have been a bagpiper for more years than I can count, and have been the Pipe Major of a pipe band for over 35 years.