What’s the old guy working on now?
“As long as those buzzards are still circling, I figure I’ve got stories left to tell and books to write.” The old Guy
If you’re wondering what’s in the works, pull up a chair. This page is where I share the latest projects I’m noodling around with—books in progress, stories getting polished, and sometimes, ideas that wandered off but might just come back.
This isn’t a static space—it’s more like a workbench. Things will change from time to time, and I might rewrite a section, add a new project, or shift my focus entirely. At 82, I consider it one of my God-given rights to change my mind and follow whichever story stirs up the dust.
Right now, there are two main projects keeping me busy. One’s a big stretch for me. The other? A long walk through some well-traveled roads.
The weight of the Quiet Things
This is the first fiction novel I’ve ever worked on. In fact, for years I said I’d never write one. But as it turns out, never is just a word we use when we haven’t yet tried something that might surprise us.
Working on this story has awakened a part of my brain I hadn’t used in a while—my imagination. And wouldn’t you know it… I’m enjoying it.
Here’s a peek at the opening scene:
Click-click. Click-click. Click-click. Tap-tap-tap-tap.
Colt Barrett was deep in thought.Colt Barrett was deep in thought. It often happened when his mind drifted, slipping away like a cat hiding in a quiet corner. Subconsciously, he clicked his ballpoint pen over and over, while his other hand drummed a steady rhythm on the desk. Click-click, click-click. Tap-tap-tap. The habit annoyed people, mostly because it felt like the beat of a song no one else could hear.
The story unfolds in a small Kansas town where secrets run deep and the past never really stays put. It’s layered, unsettling, and, in many ways, one of the most personal things I’ve written—even if it’s fiction. That’s what’s currently in the works on the creative side.
The Last Journey (…or maybe As the Train Draws Nearer)
Life is often called a journey. I agree, but I’ve come to believe it’s made up of many smaller ones—seasons, really. Each with its own path, challenges, and wisdom.
This book focuses on the later stretch of the journey, when we find ourselves squarely in the “older people” category. It’s about looking back, yes—but also about living forward. There’s reflection, yes, but also grit and grace and the kind of wisdom you don’t earn until your joints start clicking when you stand up.
I may end up calling this book As the Train Draws Nearer. It just feels right.
Check Back In
Since this page is fluid, I’ll keep it updated as projects move along or new ones pop up. So, if you’re ever curious about what’s in the works, come back and check in.
You never know what kind of story will be unfolding next.
In the meantime, if something stirred your curiosity—or if you just want to say hello—get in touch. I’d be glad to hear from you.