On June 25, 1876, George Custer was killed at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Or was he?

Tombstone of George Custer's brother
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** Image above is tombstone of Custer’s brother, Tom.

One hundred forty years ago, on June 25th, 1876 , Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer and 210 troopers under his command were wiped out fighting the Lakota Sioux and Northern Cheyenne at the Little Bighorn valley in southeastern Montana. To this day, the Battle of the Little Bighorn remains one of the most studied, publicized and controversial battles in American history.

Two years ago, on the anniversary of the battle, I stood on that hallowed ground. Continue reading

So Who Needs A Good Editor?

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Knowing first hand the value of a good editor, I asked my friend Edmond Addeo to be my guest blogger this week. I met Ed at a writer’s conference in San Francisco and was so impressed that I asked him to edit my latest novel, The Custer Conspiracy. Best thing I ever did. I’m proud to introduce Ed to all of you who might be in need of a professional editor. I’ve worked with many editors over the years. Ed is, by far, the best I’ve ever met. Continue reading

On being “Discovered”

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I was recently asked what’s the biggest hurdle I face as an indie author. Easy answer.

Discoverability.

Let me be honest  … I don’t write novels just for the fun of it. Just to have a gotcha over old drinking buddies. I’m in this because I’m itching to be a mainstream, bestselling author. And I can do it. All I have to do is get …discovered. Continue reading

It don’t get done just standin’ there lookin’ at it – Part 2

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This is the second installment of my (read: your/our) journey to pen the great American novel (or even the great American memoir/short story/how-to/self help, et al). The first step in that journey is to realize: IT DON’T GET DONE JUST STANDIN’ THERE LOOKIN’ AT IT.

But that’s just the first step. It’s like realizing that you’re not going to lose weight until you start eating right and exercising. Continue reading

“It don’t get done just standin’ there lookin’ at it.”

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I heard those words of wisdom on my first day working as a Teamster, in the summer between high school and college. Faced with what looked like an impossible job, Ramon Cancio, my older, more-experienced colleague, said to his young, inexperienced rookie helper … “Well, son, let’s get going. It don’t get done just standin’ there lookin’ at it.”

I still remember those homespun words of wisdom. Especially when I sit down in front of a computer with an idea Continue reading