Eric D. Goodman's Blog, page 9
March 5, 2024
In Conversation with Sally Whitney published on Book Smuggler’s Den
The Book Smuggler’s Den published an interview with Sally Whitney and me talking about our novels, writing processes, and more.
Setting, history, culture, diverse characters, research, where ideas come from, and the writing process are all covered in the article. We also discuss my first adventure thriller and the locations I went to get the facts precise, as well as why fiction is important.
Check out the full interview at https://booksmugglersden.com/portfoli...
Setting, history, culture, diverse characters, research, where ideas come from, and the writing process are all covered in the article. We also discuss my first adventure thriller and the locations I went to get the facts precise, as well as why fiction is important.
Check out the full interview at https://booksmugglersden.com/portfoli...
February 8, 2024
Another McEwan Coincidence
British author Ian McEwan, perhaps best known for his novel Atonement, has experienced coincidence fitting for one of his novels. For example, when he discovered that he had a long-lost half-brother. (See my earlier post.)
Here’s another coincidence: Ian McEwan released his novel-in-utero, Nutshell, within the same 12-month period as two others with the same point of view — including my own, Womb: a novel in utero.
What are the odds? I started the first draft of my novel narrated from within the womb about 10 years before it was published. I even had excerpts from it published in literary journals years before the novel was completed, submitted, and published. And yet, three books with very different takes on the same unique narrator were published in such close proximity.
Nutshell and Womb: a novel in utero were even compared to one another in essays, reviews, and Library Journal.
Learn more about Ian McEwan’s books in Library Journal.
https://www.libraryjournal.com/?autho...
Here’s another coincidence: Ian McEwan released his novel-in-utero, Nutshell, within the same 12-month period as two others with the same point of view — including my own, Womb: a novel in utero.
What are the odds? I started the first draft of my novel narrated from within the womb about 10 years before it was published. I even had excerpts from it published in literary journals years before the novel was completed, submitted, and published. And yet, three books with very different takes on the same unique narrator were published in such close proximity.
Nutshell and Womb: a novel in utero were even compared to one another in essays, reviews, and Library Journal.
Learn more about Ian McEwan’s books in Library Journal.
https://www.libraryjournal.com/?autho...
January 29, 2024
Five Recent Poems in The Fictional Cafe
Five new poems were published in The Fictional Cafe.
In "Knights that Pass in the Ship," we see the contrasting perspectives of two knights. One is constantly on the lookout for danger, while the other chooses to savor the view, exposing his heart to potential harm. It's a reflection on how we each choose to navigate the world.
"Newsworthy" is a commentary on the overwhelming amount of devastating news that often overshadows personal achievements. It was inspired by the day my first book was published, a joyous occasion that seemed insignificant amidst the world's tragedies.
"Buried Reason" is a contemplation on the cycle of life and death. I draw parallels between the burial of the dead and the fertilization of the earth, highlighting the interconnectedness of all life forms.
In "Systolic," I reflect on the impact of work-related stress on health. The poem was inspired by a personal experience, where I noticed a rise in my blood pressure upon returning to work after a relaxing staycation.
Finally, "Backyard Weeds" is a meditation on our place in the world. I suggest that humans are no more consequential than the weeds in our backyard, a humbling reminder of our place in the grand scheme of things.
Read poems in The Fictional Cafe at the following link: https://www.fictionalcafe.com/week-4-...
In "Knights that Pass in the Ship," we see the contrasting perspectives of two knights. One is constantly on the lookout for danger, while the other chooses to savor the view, exposing his heart to potential harm. It's a reflection on how we each choose to navigate the world.
"Newsworthy" is a commentary on the overwhelming amount of devastating news that often overshadows personal achievements. It was inspired by the day my first book was published, a joyous occasion that seemed insignificant amidst the world's tragedies.
"Buried Reason" is a contemplation on the cycle of life and death. I draw parallels between the burial of the dead and the fertilization of the earth, highlighting the interconnectedness of all life forms.
In "Systolic," I reflect on the impact of work-related stress on health. The poem was inspired by a personal experience, where I noticed a rise in my blood pressure upon returning to work after a relaxing staycation.
Finally, "Backyard Weeds" is a meditation on our place in the world. I suggest that humans are no more consequential than the weeds in our backyard, a humbling reminder of our place in the grand scheme of things.
Read poems in The Fictional Cafe at the following link: https://www.fictionalcafe.com/week-4-...
January 25, 2024
Sparks of Calliope Publish Two Recent Poems
Two of my recent poems, "As for the Ticket" and "Thanks for the Socks," have been published in Sparks of Calliope: A Journal of Poetic Observations.
Sparks of Calliope is known for its emphasis on reflective and thought-provoking poetry. Hopefully these two poems, and others included in the issue, will give you something to think about.
You can find the poems at the following link: https://sparksofcalliope.com/2023/10/...
Sparks of Calliope is known for its emphasis on reflective and thought-provoking poetry. Hopefully these two poems, and others included in the issue, will give you something to think about.
You can find the poems at the following link: https://sparksofcalliope.com/2023/10/...
January 17, 2024
"Control" and "Social Media Boycott" published in Bourgeon Literary Journal
"Control" and "Social Media Boycott" published in Bourgeon Literary Journal.
"Control" is a reflection on our relationship with technology and the ease with which we often surrender control to it. It's a commentary on our reliance on digital tools and the longing for someone else to navigate the complexities of life for us.
"Social Media Boycott," on the other hand, explores our connection with social media and the impact it has on our lives. It delves into the anticipation of birthday greetings on our electronic wall and the sense of loss when a social media boycott coincides with a personal celebration.
Find the poems in Bourgeon Literary Journal: https://bourgeononline.com/2023/05/tw...
"Control" is a reflection on our relationship with technology and the ease with which we often surrender control to it. It's a commentary on our reliance on digital tools and the longing for someone else to navigate the complexities of life for us.
"Social Media Boycott," on the other hand, explores our connection with social media and the impact it has on our lives. It delves into the anticipation of birthday greetings on our electronic wall and the sense of loss when a social media boycott coincides with a personal celebration.
Find the poems in Bourgeon Literary Journal: https://bourgeononline.com/2023/05/tw...
January 9, 2024
Faraway Tables Poetic Book Tour: First Review by The Bookworm
I’m excited to share the first review of Faraway Tables from my recent poetic book tour, featured on The Bookworm by poet and book blogger Nai. The review offers thoughtful insights into the themes and poems within the collection.
Nai highlights how Faraway Tables reflects on life’s transitions, travel, writing, and self-reflection. She notes the nostalgic tone throughout the collection and shares her thoughts on several standout poems:
“Patience” transforms the simple act of brewing coffee into a moment of poetic beauty:
“Outside the kitchen window,
milky mist rolls along marshy grounds.
You ask how much longer, although you know
there’s no rushing such things.”
“Embracing Hermithood” resonates with reflections on pandemic-induced isolation:
“The pandemic drives us into
our isolated caves. Gives us an excuse
to be what we want to be.”
Other favorites include “Power of Positive Thinking,” a poignant poem about hospice, and “Poolside with Wilford Brimley,” a nostalgic nod to the film Cocoon.
Nai describes Faraway Tables as “a collection of poetry mainly about the author’s life and observations” with themes ranging from the pandemic to travel. She recommends the collection for those who enjoy poetry about life and self-reflection.
It’s an honor to have Faraway Tables kick off the tour with such a generous review. Read the full review and Nai’s reflections here: https://bookwormnai.wordpress.com/202...
Stay tuned for more reviews from the Faraway Tables Poetic Book Tour!
Nai highlights how Faraway Tables reflects on life’s transitions, travel, writing, and self-reflection. She notes the nostalgic tone throughout the collection and shares her thoughts on several standout poems:
“Patience” transforms the simple act of brewing coffee into a moment of poetic beauty:
“Outside the kitchen window,
milky mist rolls along marshy grounds.
You ask how much longer, although you know
there’s no rushing such things.”
“Embracing Hermithood” resonates with reflections on pandemic-induced isolation:
“The pandemic drives us into
our isolated caves. Gives us an excuse
to be what we want to be.”
Other favorites include “Power of Positive Thinking,” a poignant poem about hospice, and “Poolside with Wilford Brimley,” a nostalgic nod to the film Cocoon.
Nai describes Faraway Tables as “a collection of poetry mainly about the author’s life and observations” with themes ranging from the pandemic to travel. She recommends the collection for those who enjoy poetry about life and self-reflection.
It’s an honor to have Faraway Tables kick off the tour with such a generous review. Read the full review and Nai’s reflections here: https://bookwormnai.wordpress.com/202...
Stay tuned for more reviews from the Faraway Tables Poetic Book Tour!
Yorkshire to Publish Poetry Collection
Big news on the publishing front! My first book of poetry, Faraway Tables, is being released by Yorkshire Publishing in spring 2024! The acceptance even came with a modest advance.
Although I have written poetry before, I’ve focused most of my writing career primarily on prose: fiction and creative non-fiction. As the pandemic found many of us shuttered up in our homes, I found myself drawn to poetry—reading it and writing it. It would seem that being home and no longer needing to commute would provide more time for long-form writing, but I felt as though I had less focus time during the pandemic than before. This is partially what attracted me to poetry.
Poetry seems a perfect form for today’s society—short, concise, and able to get a point or feeling or idea across succinctly. That appealed to me as a reader, and especially as a writer. Rather than jot down and file away ideas that came to me for future stories, novels, or plot development, I was able to use them as the basis for poetry.
The pandemic was also a time to question life as we know it, to reminisce about life as we knew it, and to consider what life will be as we emerge back into a new normalcy. Poems proved an ideal vehicle for such a mood and frame of mind.
The result, for me, is my first collection of poetry—Faraway Tables.
About 40 of the poems from Faraway Tables have been published or accepted for publication in literary journals, magazines, both online and in print. Many of them have been or will be shared here.
Stay tuned to www.Writeful.blogspot.com for more details as they become available.
Although I have written poetry before, I’ve focused most of my writing career primarily on prose: fiction and creative non-fiction. As the pandemic found many of us shuttered up in our homes, I found myself drawn to poetry—reading it and writing it. It would seem that being home and no longer needing to commute would provide more time for long-form writing, but I felt as though I had less focus time during the pandemic than before. This is partially what attracted me to poetry.
Poetry seems a perfect form for today’s society—short, concise, and able to get a point or feeling or idea across succinctly. That appealed to me as a reader, and especially as a writer. Rather than jot down and file away ideas that came to me for future stories, novels, or plot development, I was able to use them as the basis for poetry.
The pandemic was also a time to question life as we know it, to reminisce about life as we knew it, and to consider what life will be as we emerge back into a new normalcy. Poems proved an ideal vehicle for such a mood and frame of mind.
The result, for me, is my first collection of poetry—Faraway Tables.
About 40 of the poems from Faraway Tables have been published or accepted for publication in literary journals, magazines, both online and in print. Many of them have been or will be shared here.
Stay tuned to www.Writeful.blogspot.com for more details as they become available.
January 3, 2024
My Lithuania Story in Baltimore Style Magazine
Before I set part of my novel, Wrecks and Ruins, in Lithuania, I visited the nation myself and wrote some travel stories about my time there.
Explore my travel story and photographs published in Baltimore Style Magazine: “Lithuania, You Say?”
It’s a sneak peek at some of the settings you’ll find in Wrecks and Ruins.
https://www.baltimorestyle.com/lithua...
Explore my travel story and photographs published in Baltimore Style Magazine: “Lithuania, You Say?”
It’s a sneak peek at some of the settings you’ll find in Wrecks and Ruins.
https://www.baltimorestyle.com/lithua...
Chatting With Authors
Thousands of writers at all levels—from beginners to seasoned experts—join together to share and learn at writing conferences across the nation and around the world. I have fond memories of cutting my teeth at some of these conferences, such as the Annual Maryland Writers Conference.
My own session went well. I participated in a panel discussion on marketing your writing. Joining me were authors Austin Camacho, Diane Marquette, and Peter Abresch. We provided tips on our own unique ways of marketing our writing to new audiences — through blogs, articles, book signings, book readings, conferences, social media, and more.
The highlight of one Maryland Writers Conference was the keynote address by author Thomas F. Montelone. Tom is the author of more than thirty books and has published more than 100 stories. He’s also the author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Writing a Novel.
I had the pleasure of chatting with Tom over coffee during the conference for about half an hour. But I didn’t conduct an interview since I knew that there were already two great ones out there by fellow conference-goers.
Read an interview with Tom conducted by Nancy O. Greene at The Writer’s Block here.
http://writersgroupblog.wordpress.com...
My own session went well. I participated in a panel discussion on marketing your writing. Joining me were authors Austin Camacho, Diane Marquette, and Peter Abresch. We provided tips on our own unique ways of marketing our writing to new audiences — through blogs, articles, book signings, book readings, conferences, social media, and more.
The highlight of one Maryland Writers Conference was the keynote address by author Thomas F. Montelone. Tom is the author of more than thirty books and has published more than 100 stories. He’s also the author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Writing a Novel.
I had the pleasure of chatting with Tom over coffee during the conference for about half an hour. But I didn’t conduct an interview since I knew that there were already two great ones out there by fellow conference-goers.
Read an interview with Tom conducted by Nancy O. Greene at The Writer’s Block here.
http://writersgroupblog.wordpress.com...
December 21, 2023
"Fire Pit Season" and "Hammer," published on North of Oxford.
I'm excited to share two of my latest poems, "Fire Pit Season" and "Hammer," which were published on North of Oxford.
"Fire Pit Season" is a reflection of my observations of nature as it transitions into the cooler season. From squirrels opting for softer acorns to deer sampling the meaty red berries of dogwood trees.
On the other hand, "Hammer" is a stark commentary on the atrocities that occur daily in our world. It juxtaposes the comfort of our everyday lives with the harsh realities faced by others, aiming to provoke thought and introspection.
Learn more: https://northofoxford.wordpress.com/2...
"Fire Pit Season" is a reflection of my observations of nature as it transitions into the cooler season. From squirrels opting for softer acorns to deer sampling the meaty red berries of dogwood trees.
On the other hand, "Hammer" is a stark commentary on the atrocities that occur daily in our world. It juxtaposes the comfort of our everyday lives with the harsh realities faced by others, aiming to provoke thought and introspection.
Learn more: https://northofoxford.wordpress.com/2...
