mcbruce56

More Music

Here we go with more of my songs. The open mic is Ventura’s “The Listening Room” at NAMBA, which is an arts organization with an unfortunate acronym. They’re all good people, promise.

When a child eats vigorously and with relish (as well as mustard), the grown-ups will say “That boy has a healthy appetite.” I have been in Diabetes Hell for 15 years now. I can tell you that there is also such a thing as an “Unhealthy Appetite.” As a Diabetic, I have to avoid sugar.Continue reading “An Unhealthy Appetite”

Sgt. Bruce

That handsome young man above is me, though it’s hard to believe. I have never been that good looking. I think someone is punking me. Tuesday will be Veteran’s Day, and I will be entitled to a free breakfast at IHop. I went in Sunday just to confirm. Also to have a nice pancake. IContinue reading “Sgt. Bruce”

I’m Not Old, Just Marinated

Next month I will be 69 years old. Other than a salacious joke on the sexual significance of the number, I can’t say I’m looking forward to it. I mean, when you turn 60, you’re old. When you turn 65 you’re a “senior citizen.” When you hit 70 (which I will next year), you enterContinue reading “I’m Not Old, Just Marinated”

Say What?

Some people say stupid things. Some people say hurtful things. Some people say offensive things. Some people say things they think are funny but are not. Some people say disgusting things. Some people say annoying things. Some people say outrageous things. Some people say things they shouldn’t say. Some people say things that piss youContinue reading “Say What?”

Not Convinced

Over the weekend I decided to read a short book for my Sunday vacation. The choice was Ed McBain’s 60s novel, “Doll.” McBain, who died in 2008, is a Grand Master celebrated by the Mystery Writers of America. He wrote over 50 books in his 87th Precinct series, which is considered by the MWA asContinue reading “Not Convinced”

Conventional Wisdom

I have returned from the Killer Nashville convention in Franklin, Tennessee. I was nominated, for the third year in a row, for a Claymore Award (given to an unpublished manuscript). For the third year I went down to defeat. Sigh. But awards are unpredictable. Last year my comic novel, “The Return of Edsel Eddie,” lostContinue reading “Conventional Wisdom”

Go Buy It NOW!!!!!

Okay, fans and neighbors. Above is the cover of the JUly/August issue of Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine. In it you will find a new Minerva James story, “Minerva James and the Wrath of Hera.” How will Minerva defend a woman accused of killing a beloved children’s clown on live TV? Read and find out. Also,Continue reading “Go Buy It NOW!!!!!”

Jane’s World

When Jane Austen died in 1817, her novels were soon forgotten. They were considered too tame, too normal. All they did was reflect her time, her society, her friends and neighbors. Not like the dramatic novels of, say, Dumas (of Three Musketeers fame) or Sir Walter Scott. No knights in armor, no swordfights. No carContinue reading “Jane’s World”

Stinky Humans

“You’re wrong about humans. Yeah, they may be stinky, greedy, stupid, foolish, dangerous and…uh, what was I saying?” “That humans are stinky.” “Yeah, they’re the worst…” That bit of dialogue has never found its way into one of my stories, but I think about humanity and all its perfidy quite often. As a mystery writer,Continue reading “Stinky Humans”