Tag: Alabama football

University of Alabama, writers group visits a success

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The last two days have flown by, and they have been awesome.

I spent much of Tuesday and Wednesday in Tuscaloosa, Ala., speaking to a couple reporting classes at the College of Communication & Information Sciences, as well as at the Tuscaloosa Public Library to the Tuscaloosa Christian Writers Group.

I appreciate Dr. George Daniels, the assistant dean of the college, inviting me to Tuscaloosa for the opportunity. 

On Tuesday, I spoke with the JN-315 Advanced Reporting class, taught by Scott Parrott. The students were attentive and asked great questions about researching, reporting and book writing.

Later Tuesday night, I spoke to the Tuscaloosa Christian Writers Group about the three books I’ve written, and the books to hopefully come in the future.

On Wednesday, I spoke with the JN-311 Reporting class, taught by Kenon Brown. These students, much like the ones in the JN-315 class, paid close attention and took notes while I spoke about reporting strategies and writing books. 

I also toured the state-of-the-art Digital Media Center, located inside Bryant-Denny Stadium. It is an amazing place, where students gain significant real-world experience. It is very impressive.

My two-day trip wrapped up Wednesday with a studio interview with Dr. Daniels at the Faculty Resource Center inside Gordon Palmer Hall. Dr. Daniels interviewed me about my life as a journalist, editor and author. The interview will soon be available on the college’s website and on iTunes by searching “Journalism On The Go.” 

What a fun two-day trip it was. I can’t wait for the next one.

I’ll end this blog post the same way I ended the studio interview: Roll Tide.

Tuscaloosa, UA speaking engagements soon

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An incredible opportunity has presented itself, and I couldn’t be more excited.

On July 26-27, I will be in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, for two reasons:

  1. I’ll be speaking to the Tuscaloosa Christian Writers Group at the Tuscaloosa Public Library on Tuesday, July 26 at 6:30 p.m.
  2. I’ll also be speaking about news reporting and book writing to the Reporting and Advanced Reporting classes at the University of Alabama’s College of Communication and Information Sciences both days.

I have Dr. George Daniels, the assistant dean of the college, to thank for the invitation and opportunity. 

I will also be recording a studio interview about my books and work as a journalist for future use in journalism classes at UA.

How cool is that?

I’m ecstatic about this opportunity to talk about my reporting days, as well as Trussville, Alabama: A Brief History, Deep Green and the books to come.

Roll Tide.

Two New Books in the Works

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I figure this is as good a time as any to update the blog. 

My second book, Deep Green, came out in February. It’s been going well. We just had a book talk and signing at Huffman United Methodist Church, whose gymnasium adorns the front cover.

I’m working on two books right now. One is with a former University of Alabama football player now playing in the NFL. You’ll definitely want to stay tuned for more about that book. It is about so much more than football.

Second, I’m working on another fictional book. At this time, I’m about halfway done with the first draft. It’ll focus on a small town’s largest job source being sold off, leaving hundreds without jobs. The town’s most famous native, who played Major League Baseball, returns to his hometown after years of being away to help the only way he knows how — through baseball.

Look for more on both of these throughout the summer and fall. No timetable yet for release dates, but I’ll be sure to post about it when I know.