I Want a Bumper Car!

Can you imagine just how wonderful our driving experience would be if we all drove these fantastic bumper cars? We would be smiling, laughing and enjoying our ride. When was the last time you saw a motorist smiling as they passed by? All I see are frowns from the clowns. My parents used to say people still smiled while driving in the 1940s, but that started to change in the 1950s.

In any case, I'm smiling every time I drive just to piss off the non-smiling grumpazoides. I sure do get strange glares from people. If they think I am totally crazy, they be right! Like the song says, You have to be crazy to keep from going insane.

I'm just saying,

Mittster

Chapel of the Holy Cross

There seems to be some confusion concerning the ending of my murder mystery novel, Evil in the Mirror.

While using the Chapel of the Holy Cross as a murder scene might be in bad taste, I meant no sacrilege toward the Catholic Church or its parishioners. You must admit, a more dramatic location would be hard to find.

The Atomic Christus inside the church that was used by one of the evil twins was not a figment of my warped imagination, folks. It was real! The urban legend about its removal and disposal is also true, inasmuch as the crucifix was removed and disappeared forever.

I saw the very controversial crucifix the first time when I was nineteen years old in 1962. The second time I viewed it was in 1973. It made a strong impression on me to say the least. Who could have guessed it would come alive again in my first novel.

As with all works of fiction, sometimes the line between what is real and unreal is blurred. Arizona was the perfect place for my novel to take place. The scenery is dramatic, as is its old west heritage. It's still a territory out there in some places and especially in 1968.

One more point; please don't forget that the book is fiction and don't shoot the messenger!

Write on,

Mittster

Memories of a Harley Rider

Yes, I have been to Sturgis twice and both times were exciting and a rider's dreams come true. My wife and I went in 1999 from Michigan towing our 1975 Shovel because we didn't think it could make the trip. I rode to Sturgis again in 2003 with friends on my 2001 Road King from Lake Montezuma, Arizona.

My wife and I have had many shorter trips in Michigan, Oklahoma and Arizona. I have traveled Arizona, Colorado and Utah with family and friends. These trips were no less exciting than Sturgis!

Like many other riders who were in the construction industry, the recession caught up with me in early 2009. I was laid off and started looking for work all over the country, but alas...there was none.

I started writing my first novel, Evil in the Mirror ,while my wonderful wife kept the wolf from the door. The novel was published by Wheatmark and we are very excited about its prospects. In the meantime, I am writing the sequel called Day Stalker, and it too shows potential.

Unfortunately, I had to sell my Road King because promoting the book falls on the author. I'm not sniveling; there are many people who have lost much more. I'm just reminiscing about the wonderful times we had riding into the sunset. Not to worry, this nasty recession will pass and we will be riding again!

Write on,

Mittster

Small Town USA

I took this picture from our front porch a few years ago and it is a constant reminder of how lucky we are to live in Camp Verde, Arizona, the oldest settlement in the Verde Valley. It is the perfect place to write novels, enjoy our four dogs, evil parrot, and spend time with my wonderful wife.

It seems ironic to me that my identical twin brother and I were raised in a very small town in southern California, but in adulthood we migrated to large cities like Tucson and Phoenix, Arizona. I spent many years in the Los Angeles basin working construction with long commutes. Traffic, crime, smog and congestion were the norms. My brother now lives in Tucson and I visit occasionally so I can rush back to Camp Verde and thank God that this is where I live.

The moral of the story? Well, If you already live in Small Town USA, be thankful. If you live in the big city and like it, good for you. But, if you live in Big Town USA and hate it....I know a great place to live!

I'm just saying,

Mittster

Book Signing Party!

We had a very successful book signing at The Worm Book Store, Sedona, Arizona, July 3. The weather was great and we had fun in the sun selling books and getting to know total strangers. Some friends dropped by too, including, Mark Morris, from The Phil W. Morris Company. I had worked for Mark, and his dad, Phil, for ten years and I feel they were the best company I worked for in my 48' year construction career before becoming an author.

My daughter, Nissa, was on hand to buy a book. I know....she shouldn't have to pay, but she is so independent!

Julie Spector and some of her Harley riding buddies were on hand from Phoenix. It was great to see riders from the Valley of the Sun.

Phil Barbara, Maintenance Supervisor for the Bell Rock Inn, dropped by on his Harley. He already had purchased a book, but wanted to tease me because he knew I couldn't ride. What a friend....

Volunteers from Connections Equine Therapy Program showed up to buy signed books and receive a couple of free e-Books I published last year. It doesn't hurt to have an edge.

Pat Williams, a carpenter friend for years, arrived for a signed book and freebies. I kidded him by saying, "I didn't know dirt bag carpenters knew how to read?" He reminded me that I was also a carpenter by trade. Touche!

My wife and I (pictured with matching Evil in the Mirror T-shirts) want to thank our host, The Worm Book Store, for a great location. We left feeling good about the signing and headed home to Camp Verde and a late lunch celebration at Crusty's Pizza.

Write on,

Mittster