Fieldwork

THE STRANGE UNDERWATER WORLD OF NORTH SULAWESI

September 26 ’12

I finally met the Mimic octopus, cousin of the Wunderpus, while muck diving in the Lembeh Straits.

I’VE READ SOME GOOD BOOKS LATELY

August 19 ’12

Reading is the most basic and essential form of fieldwork that a writer can do.  For me, sitting down with a book is a pleasure and a necessity.  I read everyday, no exception.  Here are a few of the books that I’ve liked this summer: YOU KNOW WHEN THE MEN ARE GONE     Siobhan Fallon THE […]

FAKARAVA: THE CURE FOR WRITER’S BLOCK

July 9 ’12

If you’re having trouble writing your novel, if you’ve been struggling for years and years to find your point of view, there is only one solution. You must go to Fakarava and dive with the sharks.

NORMAN WENTWORTH DISCUSSES CHARACTER

May 16 ’12

Norman Wentworth, star of THE WENTWORTHS, has written a letter directly to his readers with a few words about character. Does it really count? And who are you anyway?

JANICE BANE IS SERIOUSLY ANGRY

May 7 ’12

When a writer is immersed in the world of hateful, angry, vicious people, when a character’s evil thoughts demand to be heard, there is but one option. The writer must rollover and acquiesce. These are five things that Janice Bane hates. She insists you listen.

HEADHUNTING AND SKULL CAVES IN PNG

April 4 ’12

A culture of cannibalism forces one to ask some tough questions. Could you eat human flesh? No sir. I’m just not that hungry.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA PART 2

March 28 ’12

A beautiful country with lovely people but there’s no denying that it’s hard to be a woman in Papua New Guinea

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

March 8 ’12

I went to the Southern Highlands of Papua New Guinea (PNG) because I wanted to visit the Huli tribes, see their villages, meet the Huli Wigmen, talk to the women and learn about their way of life.  PNG is one of the last culturally intact places on earth and tribal culture has always made my […]

CIUDAD JUAREZ

January 21 ’12

I went to Juarez, Mexico. I went with my tough-guy boots and my outlaw dreams. I went because it’s called Murder City, because it’s so extreme, a war zone without any rules.  I wanted to see how people live; I was attracted to the lawlessness.  I love Mexico.  It was a test. A lot of […]

I LOVE THE SOLOMON ISLANDS

December 21 ’11

Headhunters, cannibalism, incredible beauty, warm water and great diving. What else could you ask for? The Solomon Islands are my new favorite place on earth.