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At 45, I made a life-altering decision: I walked away from a successful business I had painstakingly built, sold my house, ended a long-term relationship, and even rehomed my dog. This wasn’t just a series of changes—it was a complete overhaul, an unburdening of every tie that pulled me deeper into depression. In other words, I let go of everything that hurt to make room for a complete stranger—joy. Turning to writing, I found not just solace but salvation.
Since then, I have published three novels that have captivated readers, penned essays for national publications, and met the love of my life— in reverse order of importance
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My latest project is a deeply personal one: a memoir. It necessitates a journey back through time, revisiting the narratives thrust upon me from my earliest days in Mississippi. These narratives include Race (navigating the expectations of being a white supremacist), Religion (how to get and stay “saved”), Family (the quest to be the perfect son to imperfect parents), and Sexuality (defining masculinity). As a gay, anti-racist, agnostic who has struggled with alcoholism and couldn’t shield his parents from their own battles, I failed horribly on all these fronts.
But the upside is these make for great stories!
In this space, I share stories about racial bigotry and the path to reconciliation, navigating Christianity, the experience of being gay in America across different eras, and familial tales marked by dysfunction and eventual healing. I’ll also sprinkle in some musings about the craft of writing that I hope will resonate with you.
Thank you for visiting my page. I’m eager to engage with you—whether in the comments or via direct message—and I look forward to the day you feel comfortable sharing your own stories, thoughts, and questions with me.
Let’s start the conversation.
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