Eric D. Goodman's Blog, page 10
December 11, 2023
“Nostalgia” in Syndic Literary Journal
My poem suite, Nostalgia, has found a home in Syndic Literary Journal.
In the same issue, you’ll also find translations by Menke Katz.
Nostalgia includes five poems that look over the shoulder to other times and places. Listen to “Layover,” “Toast to Friendship,” “Just Enough,” “Last Call,” and “Moments” in Syndic Literary Journal at the link below:
https://www.syndicjournal.us/syndic-n...
In the same issue, you’ll also find translations by Menke Katz.
Nostalgia includes five poems that look over the shoulder to other times and places. Listen to “Layover,” “Toast to Friendship,” “Just Enough,” “Last Call,” and “Moments” in Syndic Literary Journal at the link below:
https://www.syndicjournal.us/syndic-n...
November 27, 2023
A new story published in Loch Raven Review
The Loch Raven Review's latest issue, now available online, includes an assortment of literary pieces from several authors. Among the featured works is my story, "Attaché."
This issue features the work of such poets, authors, and reviewers as Charles Rammelkamp, CL Bledsoe, Rosalia Scalia, Caryn Coyle, Shirley Brewer, Celia Bell, Dan Cuddy, and Susan Reslwic Keatley.
Visit the link below to read my story, "Attaché," and the other collected works. The entire issue is available for readers at the following link:
https://thelochravenreview.net/curren...
This issue features the work of such poets, authors, and reviewers as Charles Rammelkamp, CL Bledsoe, Rosalia Scalia, Caryn Coyle, Shirley Brewer, Celia Bell, Dan Cuddy, and Susan Reslwic Keatley.
Visit the link below to read my story, "Attaché," and the other collected works. The entire issue is available for readers at the following link:
https://thelochravenreview.net/curren...
November 20, 2023
"Zakopane, Wielczka, and Wroclaw," part two of my travel story on Poland, published in inTravel Magazine
The adventure across Poland continued with visits to Zakopane, Wieliczka, and Wroclaw. Zakopane, known as the winter capital of Poland, offered a unique blend of local culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine. The highlight was a hike in the Tatra Mountains, providing breathtaking views and encounters with local wildlife.
Next, the journey led to Wieliczka, home to the famous Wieliczka Salt Mine. This UNESCO World Heritage Site amazes with its underground city, all carved out of rock salt. The mine featured chapels, sculptures, and even a lake, all underground and made from salt.
The final stop was Wroclaw, a city known for its beautiful architecture and numerous bridges. The Market Square, with its colorful buildings, was a vibrant center of activity. The visit also included a fun city game of searching for the Wroclaw dwarfs—small figurines scattered throughout the city.
Throughout the journey, the bond between father and son strengthened, and the shared experiences created memories that would last a lifetime.
Learn more by reading "Zakopane, Wielczka, and Wroclaw," part two of my travel story on Poland in inTravel Magazine: https://www.intravelmag.com/intravel/...
Next, the journey led to Wieliczka, home to the famous Wieliczka Salt Mine. This UNESCO World Heritage Site amazes with its underground city, all carved out of rock salt. The mine featured chapels, sculptures, and even a lake, all underground and made from salt.
The final stop was Wroclaw, a city known for its beautiful architecture and numerous bridges. The Market Square, with its colorful buildings, was a vibrant center of activity. The visit also included a fun city game of searching for the Wroclaw dwarfs—small figurines scattered throughout the city.
Throughout the journey, the bond between father and son strengthened, and the shared experiences created memories that would last a lifetime.
Learn more by reading "Zakopane, Wielczka, and Wroclaw," part two of my travel story on Poland in inTravel Magazine: https://www.intravelmag.com/intravel/...
November 8, 2023
Sandra Brown Writes What She Likes
When you have more than 80 novels to your name—many of them bestsellers — you can write whatever you like. That’s what author Sandra Brown suggests every writer do.
"You have to write what you like. It's too hard and time consuming not to enjoy the work. You have to write what you'd like to read.”
And what does she like? In the beginning, she wrote romance novels that followed constrained outlines and formulas. "It’s more fun and more lucrative to write my own stuff for a broader audience." She's written under four pen names — but now, everything is published under Sandra Brown.
She still has a heart for romance, but now she also writes thrillers and mysteries. “A good writer won’t be pigeonholed into one genre. A good writer should stretch out.”
You can stretch out at Sandra’s website.
http://www.sandrabrown.net/
"You have to write what you like. It's too hard and time consuming not to enjoy the work. You have to write what you'd like to read.”
And what does she like? In the beginning, she wrote romance novels that followed constrained outlines and formulas. "It’s more fun and more lucrative to write my own stuff for a broader audience." She's written under four pen names — but now, everything is published under Sandra Brown.
She still has a heart for romance, but now she also writes thrillers and mysteries. “A good writer won’t be pigeonholed into one genre. A good writer should stretch out.”
You can stretch out at Sandra’s website.
http://www.sandrabrown.net/
October 18, 2023
My Lisbon story in the print version of Washington Family Magazine
Whether you're flying from Washington DC or anywhere else in the country, check out my travel story on authentic, affordable, and family friendly Lisbon in the print version of Washington Family Magazine (on pages 14, 15, 16).
From the Alfama to Belem; food to fado, this story has something for everyone in the family!
http://digital.washingtonfamily.com/i...
From the Alfama to Belem; food to fado, this story has something for everyone in the family!
http://digital.washingtonfamily.com/i...
October 15, 2023
Fostering a Love of Literature
A subject that often comes up when I'm talking with other book lovers is the sad fact that, although there are more writers and more books being published these days, there are fewer readers who read for pleasure.
I once attended a lecture put together by the National Endowment for the Arts all about reading in decline in America.
These days, books don't just compete with one another – they must compete with streaming content, television, movies, video games, the Internet, social media, smartphones, and every other form of entertainment available. With today's short attention spans and "quick scan" reading habits, fewer and fewer people take the time to settle down with a good book.
That's why it's important to share the love of literature with your children.
When my children were younger, I tried to read to them every night. With my younger son, we focused on basic classics: Dr. Seuss, Eric Carl, Shel Silverstein, and a bit of Bob the Builder. I did most of the actual reading.
With my older daughter, we took turns reading. One night, she'd read to me. The next, I'd read to her. We usually had two books going at a time. Books like Mark Twain's A Connecticut Yankee in King Aurthur's Court and The Little Prince by Antoine De Saint-Exupery.
Would they rather be playing with her friends, scrolling social media, or watching a Disney or superhero movie? Sometimes. But there's no denying they enjoyed reading and to be read to. It was a before-bedtime ritual I hope they’ll always remember.
Do you read to your kids? It's a great way to spend quality time together. It's also a wonderful way to foster a love for literature.
I once attended a lecture put together by the National Endowment for the Arts all about reading in decline in America.
These days, books don't just compete with one another – they must compete with streaming content, television, movies, video games, the Internet, social media, smartphones, and every other form of entertainment available. With today's short attention spans and "quick scan" reading habits, fewer and fewer people take the time to settle down with a good book.
That's why it's important to share the love of literature with your children.
When my children were younger, I tried to read to them every night. With my younger son, we focused on basic classics: Dr. Seuss, Eric Carl, Shel Silverstein, and a bit of Bob the Builder. I did most of the actual reading.
With my older daughter, we took turns reading. One night, she'd read to me. The next, I'd read to her. We usually had two books going at a time. Books like Mark Twain's A Connecticut Yankee in King Aurthur's Court and The Little Prince by Antoine De Saint-Exupery.
Would they rather be playing with her friends, scrolling social media, or watching a Disney or superhero movie? Sometimes. But there's no denying they enjoyed reading and to be read to. It was a before-bedtime ritual I hope they’ll always remember.
Do you read to your kids? It's a great way to spend quality time together. It's also a wonderful way to foster a love for literature.
September 19, 2023
To Battle! Gettysburg story published in the print edition of Baltimore Style magazine
To Battle! My Gettysburg story was published in the print edition of Baltimore Style magazine (on pages 12, 13, 14).
Our family recently had the opportunity to visit Gettysburg, a small town in Pennsylvania known for its pivotal role in the American Civil War. With the 160th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg approaching in 2023, we were among the millions of visitors drawn to this historic site.
Our visit included a tour of the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center, a walk through the Gettysburg Battlefield, and a moment of respect at the Soldiers’ National Cemetery. We also visited the David Wills House, where President Abraham Lincoln finalized his famous Gettysburg Address, and the Eisenhower National Historic Site, the former home of President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Read more about our visit in Baltimore Style magazine: http://digital.baltimorestyle.com/iss...
Our family recently had the opportunity to visit Gettysburg, a small town in Pennsylvania known for its pivotal role in the American Civil War. With the 160th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg approaching in 2023, we were among the millions of visitors drawn to this historic site.
Our visit included a tour of the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center, a walk through the Gettysburg Battlefield, and a moment of respect at the Soldiers’ National Cemetery. We also visited the David Wills House, where President Abraham Lincoln finalized his famous Gettysburg Address, and the Eisenhower National Historic Site, the former home of President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Read more about our visit in Baltimore Style magazine: http://digital.baltimorestyle.com/iss...
September 10, 2023
Stranger than Fiction
Ian McEwan, one of Britain’s most popular authors, has a story to tell. It may seem like a plot right out of one of his novels — but it's actually from his real life.
In 1942, before Ian was even born, his father went to war. During that time, his mother had an affair with another officer — Ian's future father. They had a baby. To hide any sign of the affair, she gave the baby up, handing it over to strangers on a railroad station platform. Later, her husband died in Normandy and she married Ian’s father.
Several years ago, Ian and his brother David reunited. Up until then, Ian had no clue there was another brother in the family. David offered the famous author the opportunity to write the interesting story—but Ian declined, telling him it was his story to tell. Now there are two writers in the family.
For the whole story, see Alan Cowell’s article in The New York Times.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/18/boo...
In 1942, before Ian was even born, his father went to war. During that time, his mother had an affair with another officer — Ian's future father. They had a baby. To hide any sign of the affair, she gave the baby up, handing it over to strangers on a railroad station platform. Later, her husband died in Normandy and she married Ian’s father.
Several years ago, Ian and his brother David reunited. Up until then, Ian had no clue there was another brother in the family. David offered the famous author the opportunity to write the interesting story—but Ian declined, telling him it was his story to tell. Now there are two writers in the family.
For the whole story, see Alan Cowell’s article in The New York Times.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/18/boo...
August 21, 2023
Family-Friendly Portugal Story Published in Baltimore's Child Magazine
My Portugal story published in Baltimore's Child Magazine (on pages 20, 21, 22). Join us as we explore Lisbon, a city rich in history and culture. From the historic Alfama neighborhood to the panoramic views from the Castelo de São Jorge.
Find the magazine and read about our fascinating destinations:
http://digital.baltimoreschild.com/is...
Find the magazine and read about our fascinating destinations:
http://digital.baltimoreschild.com/is...
August 16, 2023
When Your Novel In Progress Does Not
When I met author Alice McDermott for the first time, it was at a craft lecture she was presenting at The Writers’ Center in Bethesda, Maryland. The topic of the craft lecture was, “When Your Novel-in-Progress Doesn’t.”
Most authors who have written a novel — or tried to — can relate to that.
Alice McDermott, despite her two Pulitzer Prize nominations, her National Book Award win, and her regular trips onto the New York Times Bestseller list, is no exception.
“I was in middle-book syndrome,” she explained. She was halfway through a novel, she knew where it was headed, but she didn’t want to finish it.
“The best practice is to write through your reluctance to continue — even if you begin writing a different story, keep writing.”
That’s what Alice did. She shelved the project she was no longer interested in and focused on another.
So if you’ve lost interest in what you’re writing, perhaps it’s time to move on to something new. If your novel-in-progress is not progressing, move on.
Learn more about Alice McDermott’s words of writing wisdom at the following links.
http://writeful.blogspot.com/2007/07/...
http://writeful.blogspot.com/2005/11/...
Most authors who have written a novel — or tried to — can relate to that.
Alice McDermott, despite her two Pulitzer Prize nominations, her National Book Award win, and her regular trips onto the New York Times Bestseller list, is no exception.
“I was in middle-book syndrome,” she explained. She was halfway through a novel, she knew where it was headed, but she didn’t want to finish it.
“The best practice is to write through your reluctance to continue — even if you begin writing a different story, keep writing.”
That’s what Alice did. She shelved the project she was no longer interested in and focused on another.
So if you’ve lost interest in what you’re writing, perhaps it’s time to move on to something new. If your novel-in-progress is not progressing, move on.
Learn more about Alice McDermott’s words of writing wisdom at the following links.
http://writeful.blogspot.com/2007/07/...
http://writeful.blogspot.com/2005/11/...
