To Angelenos, the first circle of hell is the San Bernardino Valley; the second, the High Desert; the third, Bakersfield; the fourth…well, let’s just call it “out of state”. Downwardly-mobile ex-Californians face a rather horrifying way of life, often pouring into cheaper parts of the … Continue readingPretty Girls Drinkin’ Tall Boys…
My last update on the brainstorming process for my story came a few days ago, and I have some new material! I won’t actually write it, let alone release it, for a while, since it’s bulging into a novel-length concept, and I’ll be busy with … Continue readingChristmas Blizzard: More Brainstorming
I know this sounds so silly, but hey, unbeknownst to me yesterday was National Girlfriend Day. I spent it (in part) peeking into the nearest Pottery Barn store, an oasis of beauty where I can plunk myself down and imagine that I’m living my dream … Continue readingTFW No Pottery Barn Basket Girlfriend
In a story I’m developing Fia, a competitive ballroom dancer who wants to upgrade her appearance, will get her makeover done in Southern California, at the behest of her (soon-to-be) sister-in-law Katenka, who lives in Malibu: in her own words, close to where all the … Continue readingTaking my Worldbuilding into Southern California
I’ve already shared some thoughts on my concept for a follow-up on a plot thread in “Orphans of Opry Tower” (a story I’ve completed but not published): a character named Fia and her impending big makeover, along with her desire for hot sex and, above … Continue readingA Shipwreck Date in the Kelp Forest?
There are times when I think the most salient class divide, a huge piece of the dark matter that undergirds our lives in this country, is whether or not you’re part of the driver class, those who have no choice but to regularly get behind … Continue readingAngelenos, You Know Nothing of Hell
Dream dance studio vibes: real teak floors, big real wood fireplace, flowers dangling down from the trellised ceiling, bar in back with all-copper utensils and wine racks galore clad in rich dark woods, doors and windows all open to let in fresh air from the … Continue readingCalifornia Dreaming
I knew traveling would broaden my horizons and clarify my ambitions for my future, but I had no idea how far I had to go to make that happen; it’s kinda funny how seeing a place you actually like and can fall in love with … Continue readingSurf Marks the Spot?
Saudi Arabia has its vision for Neom, The Line, a futuristic linear city, but I think we can do far better right here in America: why not a Pacific Coast City, a contiguous urban corridor on the immediate coast of California? Coastal California is one … Continue readingLet’s Build Pacific Coast City!