Blog Entries

As to technical specifications, trust but verify.

There’s a reason why most scientific breakthroughs and spectacular fatal accidents are accomplished by people under 30. It’s because young people just don’t know enough not to take crazy risks. More >>

Crime fiction as literature.

I offer two books categorized as crime fiction, yet undeniably literary in the quality of their composition, depth of character development and lyrical prose: “Presumed Innocent” by Scott Turow and “Mystic River” by Dennis Lehane. I’m sure there are others, since as a reader I’ve barely scratched the surface of the mystery and thriller genres.More >>

What Madison Avenue Can Teach You About Writing Better Dialogue

I’d already spent about 30 years in ad agencies writing copy before my first novel was published. I’m often asked if copywriting benefitted my fiction, and I always say yes, in every way possible. This is particularly true as it relates to dialogue. More >>

Accepting Imperfection

Oscar Hammerstein II wrote the book and lyrics for many famous musicals, including “Oklahoma!,” “South Pacific,” “The King and I” and “The Sound of Music.” He also wrote the following essay.More >>

A Tale of Two Worlds.

It’s a little odd to live in two different places, especially when they’re four and a half hours apart. When people hear Mary and I commute between Avon, Connecticut and Southampton, New York, and have been doing this nearly every week, year-round, since 1992, the usual reaction is, “What, are you nuts?”More >>