From Dagda Publishing comes a wonderful example of prose poetry, by my friend Jason Sturner:

http://dagdapublishing.co.uk/2013/10/05/illusion-web-roads/

This poem actually first introduced me to W. H. Auden at the age of 16 in Rocky Point, NY, many, MANY moons ago.

And I have had a love affair with Auden’s work ever since.

Hiddleston here is perfect.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtbYtb50z2M

I’ve had the opportunity to continue enjoying the work in “Threads,” Dagda Publishing’s latest poetry anthology. One great standout for me is Dennis Villelmi’s “I Am Not of the Faction.”

Villelmi has an economy for stark, strong language and dark imagery that I truly envy. (My own recent work seems meandering and overly prosaic, by comparison.) It’s great work by a great poet, and I encourage everyone to give it a close look.

WONDERFUL NEWS!

Preliminary conversations with Dagda Publishing now suggest that “The Dogs Don’t Bark In Brooklyn Any More” might begin a series of books, set in the same post-apocalyptic universe. If this first novel is well received, I may look forward to penning sequels to the book.

There is so much more to the story of Rebecca “Red” O’Conner — not to mention her human colleagues and her merciless wolf adversaries. So if you, the readers, enjoy the story, there is a chance that it may continue farther into new — and far darker — places.

Thank you, Dagda Publishing, for your continued encouragement and inspiration!

Here is a wonderful look at the incomparable Tom Clancy’s career, courtesy of The Washington Post. (Isn’t it amazing that he began as a humble insurance agent?)

The anecdote about John Lehman, Jr. brought a smile to my face.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/books/tom-clancy-best-selling-author-dead-at-66/2013/10/02/40764160-2b6f-11e3-8ade-a1f23cda135e_story.html

I am going to honor Tom Clancy’s memory tonight by continuing on with my latest read of “Executive Orders.”

I’m right at the point where the assassination of the Iraqi dictator by the Iranian sleeper agent has just taken place. Watching the tapes of the incident, new President Jack Ryan wisely asks Secret Service Agent Andrea Price for her assessment of the shooter and his motivations.

Dear Lord. One of my all-time favorite storytellers, Tom Clancy, has passed away. (I am right in the middle of re-reading “Executive Orders” right now.)

Thank you, Sir, for the countless hours of thrills, intrigue and entertainment — most especially with “The Cardinal of the Kremlin,” “Clear and Present Danger,” and “Debt of Honor.”

And rest in peace.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/02/us/tom-clancy-obit/