Great art and creativity are based on the idea of inspiration, breathed in from a conscious being higher than ourselves. When we listen to this inner voice, intuition grows strong.
Much of what we are taught as children, and learn to believe as adults, comes to us through stories. Among indigenous peoples the story-teller is an important figure within the tribe, keeping the people aware of their history, traditions and the wisdom of their ancestors. Among the ancient Celts, from whom I trace my roots, the story-tellers were called bards and they had very specific guidelines to follow when composing their stories and tales. Of course, the stories had to be interesting and well crafted to maintain people's interest and enthusiasm. But ideally, the stories were also to extol the virtues of peace and tranquility, and to celebrate what is good and beautiful and true, and (where applicable) to change attitudes and reform morals.
I try to craft my stories in this bardic fashion, hoping to say something which is relevant and timely in each of my books, something that hasn't been said (or at least not often). My novels are historical fiction. One is about St. Francis of Assisi where I try to describe the life, spirit and wisdom of this extraordinary person who lived at a unique time in history. Another novel is a Native American saga about Pontiac, the Ottawa pipe-keeper, and the fight for survival of the Great Lake tribes against advancing white settlements. A third story tells of the ancient Celtic people at the time they were about to be subjugated by Julius Caesar and his Roman legions, and reveals some of the hidden teachings of their mysterious Druids. A fourth novel is about a Jesuit missionary among the plains Indians, who is accused of treason and apostasy for the unpardonable offense of siding with the tribespeople. And a fifth book recounts the legends and tales of a small Oregon town where I used to live. All are available on Amazon.com.
Writing an historical novel is for me like entering a previous lifetime. It’s as though one remembers, rather than imagines, the unfolding events. The creative story doesn’t come from the author, so much as through the author. He or she is just the instrument making the story manifest. The art of writing came easier once I realized this.
Regarding my biography, after two years of college I became a member of the Jesuit Order for six years. Upon leaving, I became a public utility executive in NYC. I next left the corporate world to be a teacher of children. I wrote these stories over the course of thirty years but had to wait for retirement finally to complete them.
I am interested in building readership. For this reason, I am offering LITTLE POOR MAN The Story of St. Francis of Assisi free of charge, hoping it will generate interest in my other books as well.