News

Here’s the latest news about my writing work! Scroll down to learn more about what I’ve been up to.

Latest ODD Post: Milksop sightings in the Wild

In my latest Old Dog Dumps post, “Sightings of ‘Milksop’ in the Wild,” I explore how the title word from my novel has shown up in writing across the centuries.

Here’s a taste: “My ambition in publishing Milksop is to fully resuscitate this marvelous word. More than that, my novel aims to redeem ‘milksop’ and all those poor souls around the world who’ve been wrongly belittled by being labelled with the term.”

Warning: I’m prone to exaggeration and suffer from illusions of grandeur.

Have a read, and if the spirit moves you, subscribe to ODD: it’s all free, all the time. Feel free, as well, to share your thoughts and this post.

Milksop: In Others’ Words, Part 2

I’ve received an endorsement for my novel Milksop that’s left me gobsmacked.

Here’s what Joseph Kertes says: “Who’d have thought that there could be a fresh take on the age-old tale of growing up, of finding oneself, of growing into oneself, of falling in love (even if it is with the wrong girl)? That is precisely the journey that Evan, the protagonist of this novel, takes. He is a clumsy city boy, the ‘milksop’ of the title, who is transplanted by his parents into the country only to discover what is good and right about this world, after believing that little of it could be true or possible. John Van Rys is a bold, honest and eloquent new voice in Canadian letters. We should welcome and celebrate his arrival.”

In my latest ODD post, part 2 of “Milksop: In Others’ Words,” I reflect on Joe’s words, as well as on how Milksop is a coming-of-age novel in a double sense. Have a read, and if the spirit moves you, subscribe to ODD: it’s all free, all the time.

Milksop: In Others’ Words, Part 1

It’s beginning! Voices other than mine are starting to talk about Milksop ahead of its publication on May 23. In my latest Old Dog Dumps post, I share a bit about who’s saying what. First up? Larry Link, my supplier (of hay, not drugs). Here’s a taste: “It’s time for me to say of Milksop, ‘Don’t take my word for it.’ Or at least, ‘not just my word.’ With the publication date beginning to loom large on the horizon (May 23), Milksop feels to me like a child about to graduate, to move out, to move on into the larger world. My child. And because Milksop is my debut novel, that makes her a debutante, on top of everything else. No pressure!” Have a read, and if the spirit moves you, subscribe to ODD: it’s all free, all the time.

My Latest ODD Post: Something Ventured

What’s in a “word of intention”? In my newest post, “Something Ventured. Nothing Gained?,” I share a bit about my word of intention for 2026, “venture,” and what it’s meant for my writing life.

Here’s a taste: “Why ‘venture’? Because in life and writing I tend to be risk averse, and that can be quite limiting. Venturing involves undertaking daring actions that offer but do not guarantee a reward, a return on the investment of time, energy, or money. Of course, marriage is such a venture, as is having children, writing a novel, or wrestling an alligator. ‘Putting yourself out there’ in any of these ways might lead to your body marinating beneath a log in a swamp if things don’t go well with family members, critics, or critters.”

The background question I’m asking: might our writing lives be strengthened by this practice?

Happy reading! And as always, if the spirit moves you, feel free to share your thoughts and the post itself. Don’t forget to subscribe: it’s all free all the time.

The Face of ODDity: Cover Reveal for Milksop

What’s in a cover? In my latest Substack post, I ruminate cow-like on book covers and share the cover for my debut novel Milksop. Here’s a taste: “I have it on good authority (my publisher and other published writers) that novels typically have a cover. When you think about it, is a cover really necessary? I mean, it’s all about the story, isn’t it? And aren’t we told never to judge a book by its cover? Why have one, then?”

May 23: An ODD Date That Will Go Down in History (or Infamy)

That is, ODD publishing history or infamy

Check out my new Substack post, in which I somewhat lightheartedly share what’s happened through history on May 23, including what will happen this year: the publication of my debut novel, Milksop. Will it became famous or infamous? Neither? Only time will tell. |Here’s a taste: “And this year on May 23? Will world peace be achieved? Will fascism be defeated? Will certain politicians be impeached? Will all the snow we’re getting buried under melt by then? One can only hope!”

The Capture of Joan of Arc, Adolphe Alexandre Dillens

ODD Post: Stephen King Loves “Milksop”!

Sometimes, a famous writer’s use of a word that’s also in the title of your humble, little-known book is a promotional opportunity too good to pass up. If you’re curious, have a look at my latest ODD Substack post, the lighthearted “Stephen King Loves ‘Milksop’!” And if you don’t already subscribe to ODD, please do! It’s free, and you’re free to make fun of it (and me).

ODD Post: Steady Pace or Flying Leaps

What does it mean to be a journeyman writer? In my newest Old Dog Dumps post, “Steady Pace or Flying Leaps? The Path from Apprentice to Journeyman Writer,” I share a bit about my long writing apprenticeship. Here’s a taste: “Milksop is Evan Mulder’s coming-of-age story—the tale of what happens to him the summer he turns 18. The story is my coming-of-age as a novelist—I’ll be 65 when it comes out. Arriving at this coordinate on the map of my life has involved one long apprenticeship, a steady-paced journey, but also some big leaps.” I hope you enjoy this window into the story of my writing life, and, as always, if the spirit moves you, please share your thoughts, as well as the post!

The College Writer, 8th edition, Published

For almost 25 years, I’ve been part of the author team producing The College Writer for students in composition courses in colleges and universities. This academic-writing handbook has helped hundred of thousands of students become better readers, thinkers, and writers.

Given the state of the world, it’s safe to say that better readers, thinkers, and writers are needed!

Now the lead author of The College Writer, I’m pleased as punch to share that the 8th edition has been published and will be available as of January 1, 2026.

ODD Post: Of Cows and Turtles

Here’s my latest post in Old Dog Dumps (ODD): Dispatches from a Journeyman Writer. “Of Cows and Turtles: Two ODD Writing Milestones” shares an update on my editing of Milksop as it gets closer to publication, along with the exciting news that I’ve finished a first draft of my second novel, tentatively titled Awkward Turtles. I have a lot of work still to do on it, but check out this post for a taste of what misadventures Evan Mulder will get up to in this tale.