Just Released

I am proud to announce the publication of my first piece “Running in Circles.” The story is a short-short (under 200 words), but it is a milestone for me on several levels.

This marks the first time I’ve sold something I’ve written, and at the same time, it marks the first actual bylined publication I’ve secured. (It’s not uncommon for writers to make a sale only to wait an indefinite period of time for the work to see publication, and sometimes, publication never happens.)

Those of you who know me should appreciate the irony of the story’s content: it covers the very first arrest I made back in 1987.

If you don’t know me, know this: my time as a police officer was bittersweet, and while I’ve never regretted the time I spent in uniform, I often regret the way my career ended because it was not on my terms.

To this day, I have regular dreams/nightmares about being back on the job.

I’ve never had the itch to write about those events or that time in my life, but the opportunity to tell this particular story came up, and to test the waters, I gave it a shot.

I have to sing the praises of the publisher (Common Ties): they are doing a real service to writers and readers, and once my piece was selected, I received personal, regular communication about what would transpire.

I’ve read and been told enough about publication to know the treatment I received may be the best I can ever hope for.

“Running in Circles” was chosen from over 400 entries, and it is one of the first five pieces to be published in Common Ties’ new “Quickies” section: I'm honored to have one of my works appear in such select company.

I also have to thank Gary Agid: I believe it was his camera that captured the image that appears along with the story. The picture was taken several years after the event in the piece, but the image certainly helps bring the story to life.

You can read "Running in Circles" HERE. It's story #2 under the heading "Wet Feet."