Writing is a way of life that allows exploration and questioning. I have published 145 stories, six collections, four novels, and, though I've been poor, I've never stopped loving the work. I've worked as bouncer, dishwasher, tennis pro, city judge, hired man on an alfalfa ranch, and university professor. Aside from writing, I've been interested in sports and played national level tennis, squash, and ice hockey and have run five marathons, including Pikes Peak twice. Birding is also a passion and has provided a way of being aware -- of backgrounds, sounds, the natural world, including weather. It's also a great reason to travel -- 767 species identified in North America.