The Truth Will Wreck This Place

The Star-Telegram published an article earlier this month, "Hundreds of sex abuse allegations found in fundamental Baptist churches across U.S." by Sara Smith. Back in the day, when I had my heart set on pursuing investigative journalism, this is the article that I wanted to write. And this is why: "To understand how this systemic, … Continue reading The Truth Will Wreck This Place →

I (Used To) Love to Write

I was raised in a pretty whackadoodle church.  Okay, it was a cult. One of the (many) things drilled into our heads was that if we loved anyone or anything too much, God would be righteously jealous and take it away.  As punishment. Also, another of the (many) things drilled into our heads was that … Continue reading I (Used To) Love to Write →

Truth is Relative to the Experience of the Storyteller

Truth is Relative to the Experience of the Storyteller:  Unreliable Narration in Postmodern Literature             As societal and cultural sentiment shifted away from the certainty of the modern era into the relativism of the postmodern period, both the content and techniques of fiction adapted to address and reflect the new … Continue reading Truth is Relative to the Experience of the Storyteller →

It’s a cold and it’s a broken hallelujah

Rachael Denhollander's former church released a statement to the Washington Post. Many will rejoice, and it seems that there are several good things that have happened.  Maybe some progress is being made. But let's watch for the day when truth is enough.   Let's watch for the day when there's enough humility and integrity to listen … Continue reading It’s a cold and it’s a broken hallelujah →

Today, Even I Was (A Little) Surprised

Some days, I think I'm so jaded and cynical that absolutely nothing will surprise me. Today was not that day.   This morning, my NPR news feed informed me that Paige Patterson had been replaced as president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, due to allegations of gross mishandling of situations of domestic violence and rape. … Continue reading Today, Even I Was (A Little) Surprised →

Indivisible

The Pledge of Allegiance should remain part of the American experience, but it should revert to the officially recognized 1942 version.  The pledge creates an opportunity to affirm all of the best things about the United States.  The 1942 format served that purpose perfectly for many years.  The addition of the phrase “under God” renders … Continue reading Indivisible →

Writers as Entrepreneurs

Abstract This report outlines research done to determine the scope and impact of the changing employment outlook for writers and journalists.  The research conducted revealed that it has become increasingly rare for writers and journalists to find full-time employment with a single employer.  Included is a proposed solution to better equip current writers and better … Continue reading Writers as Entrepreneurs →

Surveillance is Not Security

This article was written in April of 2017. Another student is dead.  In San Bernardino, CA, the parents of Jonathan Martinez are still grieving the loss of their child, the most recent victim of school shootings.  Other parents and school counselors will have explained to a special needs classroom why their teacher, Karen Smith, will … Continue reading Surveillance is Not Security →

How (Not) to Make an Impression

English 112 was supposed to be an easy A for me. I’ve tutored students through English 112, for goodness sakes.  Babies. Children. Humans half my age and with none of my experience. So, naturally, English 112 has been kicking my wordcrafting booty in the best sort of way.  I might even share my “impeccably researched” … Continue reading How (Not) to Make an Impression →