Saturday, May 29, 2010

Le Grand Meaulnes

I have review of Alain Fournier's masterpiece, Le Grand Meaulnes in the New Haven Review. Though I prefer the other title - The Lost Domaine. I explain why in the review.

Do yourself a favor and buy a copy, here.

Friday, May 28, 2010

New Haven Museum Appearance



I gave a talk at the New Haven Museum (Historical Society) on Wednesday night. It was a big success, with 25 or so people showing up, and everything going smoothly. Everything that is, except the power going out on the upper floor! However, we set up in the room you see here, and it worked out great. There was a moment when we thought we'd have standing room only in there, but we brought in a couple extra chairs and everything was fine. Of course, you can see there were two open seats in the front row, too...it's just like students in a classroom. No one wants to sit there!

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Barnes and Noble North Haven



Here is my signing at the B&N in North Haven on Saturday, May 22. It was a beautiful day and there wasn't a huge turnout (though I had a great talk with those five or six people who did show). However, that store has already sold over 30 of my books, and the first month of sales isn't even up yet. Nor have I been featured in the newspaper yet. Hopefully, it is a sign of things to come.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Awarded for Service



Here I am accepting an award from the IDEAL program at the University of Bridgeport, for more than seven years of service. I actually have eleven years, but this is the first time they are giving the award...



It's always nice to be recognized for service, and even better when you are given a nice plaque. I'll put it with my old soccer trophies and chess medals!

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Phi Kappa Phi Initiation







As some of you may know, I currently serve as the president for the UB chapter of Phi Kappa Phi. I was happy this year to serve the students who have earned this incredible distinction. I was not as pleased to wear the yellow thing that made me look like a bishop, but you can judge for yourselves from the photos.

Friday, May 7, 2010

Bridgeport: The Musical





Here are some pictures from the recent play by the Wednesday Afternoon Musical Club (founded in 1897). They used my book, Bridgeport: Tales from the Park City, to provide text in between songs. I particularly liked the way they worked in Catherine Moore, lighthouse keeper extraordinaire. You can see her carrying her lantern around the church in picture one.

It took place in Easton at the Jesse Lee Methodist Church, and the Club wants to take it on the road. It really gives a sense of pride about a much maligned city!

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Finalist!

My novella, A City of Old Stories, was chosen as a finalist for the Snake Nation Press Serena McDonald Kennedy Award. I see that they put me at the top of the list, too. Maybe that means the editors (who usually pick the finalists in these cases) liked mine the best. Too bad the judge did not, but it's a good sign for the future.

I have been told by several people who read it that it is the best thing I have written (so far). I hope someday that you all will get to judge that for yourselves.