A year ago I started “adding fluff to the clutter”, i.e. blogging, in order to establish an Internet presence and someday sign with a literary agent.  As with most endeavors in life, writing publicly has been a source of unexpected blessings. For every post, at least one person messages me privately with encouragement or gratitude or solidarity. Your support, Dear Reader, has helped me grow in confidence as a writer, and also in discipline. Even critical responses inspire me towards better clarity. Compassion, not umbrage, is the goal of every essay.

On that note, I am pleased to announce The Arizona Authors Association has chosen “Bleaching Bones”, a chapter from my memoir, The God of Sleep as one of four finalists in the 2015 Arizona Literary Contest. The winners will be announced in November.  If I may put the cart before the horse, the first and second place winners in every category will be nominated for a Pushcart Prize — God’s will be done.

Your readership, comments, emails and shares are growing a writer. Thank you.