Learning Italian...

I've added another essay -- this one published back in late 2008 -- from my Harvard years.  Involving my wonderful Italian teacher, Gloria, who figures into some of my favorite stories from freshman year, the essay looks at trying to measure up to the standard expectations of masculinity.  It was originally published in Flashquake, republished in HBOMB (thanks to a former student of mine from when I taught in Naples, Florida), and I have made a copy available here on the site.  Check it out via the nonfiction link above... and let me know what you think!

Contra Dancing

Continuing with my project of posting and writing comments on my previously published nonfiction, I added a new essay.  This one, "Circle Square," first appeared in 13th Warrior Review in 2008.  It reflects on a contra dance group that I participated in during college (and a little reflection on junior high school as well) and how that all comments on gender.  Check it out via the tab above...I hope you enjoy it. And if anyone knows of a good contra dance happening in my area, let me know!

Trans in Wyoming

I've added another piece to my nonfiction archive... this one's about a summer I spent in Wyoming (or at least the start of that summer).  It was, though the essay doesn't reveal this facet, a truly wonderful three months that I stayed out there.  Again, the essay concerns being transgender and especially wrestling with being closeted, being safe, and also being true to self.  Hope you enjoy... and, in the spirit of previous posts, I dug up this photo of me (later in the summer) in Wyoming.  Note: that is snow behind me, even though the picture was taken late June/early July.  Check out the essay (published originally in Conte in 2008) via the tab above.  Let me know what you think!

Elvis...In the Nonfiction Section

I've posted another essay published a while back (2008) and added some musing about transgender identity. To pique your interest, I dredged up some photos to share. First, here I am in the role I write about... Conrad Birdie!

That's me on the right -- I'm eleven.  You can read the essay by following the "Nonfiction" tab above.

And, just because I found it and thought it made good contrast, here I am on the same stage (the one not playing the upright bass, in case you're in doubt), about three years later.  Now, in which photo am I in drag?

New Nonfiction Section

For the time being at least, I've wrapped up my posting in the research area of this site.  (I feel pretty confident I'll go back there for one last set of reflections... but not yet!).  So, on to the next stage.  I've started a new page about my nonfiction publications.  Most of these essays have to do with transgender identity, and I thought I would blog a bit about either the content of the essay or the process of composition or related aspects of gender identity.

I just posted the first entry -- it is on one of my very first published pieces: "Back of the Band," which appeared in Word Riot.  Check it out!  I've included a link to the piece as well as an alternate version and my musings on the subject of tubas and transgender.

Story Published in New Ohio Review
Just received my hard copy of New Ohio Review #12, which contains my short story, "The Hittite," along with many other wonderful pieces.
Check out their website and order yourself a copy... New Ohio Review

"The Hittite" tells the biblical story of David and Bathsheba, but I set it during the Afghan war.

Final Entry in "Researching Revolutionary"

(for now)

I just added some last thoughts on the research process... waxing more philosophical than practical, I admit, and reflecting a bit on the genre of historical fiction in general.  These topics were on my mind because I recently received some wonderful notes from a historian who had read through the manuscript.  So... once I'm through this stage, perhaps I'll post some more on this part of the process.  It has been enlightening!

Check out Section 6 under the "Researching Revolutionary" tab above.  As always, leave comments and tell me what you think!