Robbie Cox's Blog, page 17

The Mess Welcomes J. H. Bográn

Happy Saturday, my Mess-y friends.  This week we welcome J. H. Bográn, another of my fellow authors I had the privilege of meeting on Twitter..  He was born and raised in Honduras and is the son of a journalist. He ironically prefers to write fiction rather than fact. José’s genre of choice is thrillers, but he likes to throw in a twist of romance into the mix. His works include novels and short stories in both English and Spanish. He’s a member of the Short Fiction Writers Guild an...

If Life Were Like My Twitter Feed

I think he lives up thereLife can be so complicated at times.  People can be even more complicated.  As a matter of fact, I think it is because people are complicated that life becomes that way.  Okay, perhaps complicated is not the right term.  Idiots, morons, douche bags, jack asses, all of these are probably better terms.  However, for the sake of the politically correct, I will refrain from using those and stick with the all-encompassing complicated.  People...

Barhopping with the Kids

 I know, it probably doesn’t sound like a good parenting thing to do, but that’s what they wanted to do, so that’s what they did.  Heather and Chris, with a couple of their friends in tow, met us at our Hotel-from-Hell to escort us to Downtown Gainesville for a night of hitting the bars for cheap drinks and as many laughs as we could squeeze into the night.

“We need to eat first,” Teri told Heather.  “Is there a place Downtown to grab a bite to eat?”

Heather gave her mother a bla...

The Bates Motel?

Char, Chris, Heather, & Sarah at the festivalWe had planned an overnight trip to Gainesville to visit our two college kids.  At first, it was just a day trip, but I decided that we might as well make the three hour trip the night before and just get a room at a cheap hotel that way we could spend more time on Saturday with the kids.  It was last minute, and yes, there was a game that weekend, but I was sure we could find something without spending an arm or a leg.  Usually...

Inspiring Teens Blog Hop with Debra Smith

Greetings, my Mess-y friends.  This Saturday, I am happy to be participating in the Inspiring Teens Blog Hop, organized by Greta Burroughs and Vickie Johnstone, and bringing to you another great author, Debra J. Smith, author of Secrets Beyond Scymaria .  Debra will be answering some questions about reading, writing, and her books, which you will be to win a copy of through the Rafflecopter at the end of the post.  Make sure you enter for your chance to win.

So settle back with y...

A Quiet Place

A quiet writing spotOne of the main rules of writing I have often heard is that one must find that quiet nook away from a busy household that will enable you to write without distraction.  Yet, I have always prided myself on being able to write anywhere and at anytime.  I have written in cars and on planes, during rock concerts and lengthy sermons.  The noise level that surrounds me has never been an obstacle to putting thoughts down on paper.  I have always been able to t...

Meet the Characters of Daydream's Daughter, Nightmare's Friend

This morning, we bypass the normal Mess to give Nonnie Jules, author of The Good Mommies' Guide to Raising (Almost) Perfect Daughters, a chance to share her characters with us of her new book soon to be out.  I know you'll enjoy the opportunity to meet some new people and getting to know more about another writer.  Be sure to check out both books and Nonnie's website.  You won't be disappointed.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 
Hello all and thanks for having me here at THE MESS!  My na...

Peace in the Ritual

Every morning I can be found in the same spot.  It’s usually after my first taxi run where I’m taking the girls to work, but I’ll be there before 7:30 on most days.  With my mug of coffee and a cigar, I can be found perched in my little nook on the back porch working on some current storyline or catching up on yesterday’s news.  It’s my little ritual and without it, my day somehow feels slightly off.
It’s those little idiosyncrasies that make us unique, those little habits or ne...

The Mess Welcomes Theodore Webb

Meet Theodore WebbThis week at the Mess I am happy to have Theodore Webb, a poet, novelist, short story writer and playwright.  Mr. Webb is a co-founding member of Morgantown Poets, a monthly literary arts event serving the literary arts community in north-central West Virginia. He has composed numerous poems, including "America in Dreams," published by Pine Mountain Sand & Gravel and “Star Bus,” selected for Mountain Line’s 2010 “Poetry on the Move” program to feature poetry wi...

As Iron Sharpens Iron

The best group of friendsIt’s my favorite proverb, “as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”  It’s also what I use as a plumb line in forming any relationship that I put myself into.  I always want to improve, to be a better husband, father, friend, writer; to be a better man.  One of the greatest ways to do that is by surrounding myself with people who are going to encourage me to press forward instead of pulling me backwards.  Therefore, I look for certain ch...