This page features a collection of non-fiction writing samples, essays and blog posts that I’ve written over the past 35 years. These particular pieces — for a variety of reasons — strike a chord with me, and I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoyed writing them.
If you would also like to see some samples of my fiction writing, please visit Fiction Samples
The following essay samples are not listed in chronological order.
What’s up with all this “pride” stuff. Why is this stuff being shoved in our faces?
A reporter walks through downtown Biddeford after midnight on a cold autumn evening, talking with those who live and work in the surrounding gritty neighborhoods. This is the first installment of my five-part series “Biddeford After Dark,” which was published in the Biddeford-Saco-OOB Courier in October 2001
An unfortunately true story about our family’s very first camping trip more than 20 years ago. (July 2004)
Nearly 40 years ago, in an effort to seek fame and the favor of David Letterman, my best friend and I decided to trek across the United States with a black velvet painting of Abraham Lincoln and take random photos of various people holding the painting. (Nov. 2020)
More than 40 years ago, I was discharged from a psychiatric facility. I was 19 years old, broke, homeless and unemployed. Estranged from my family and friends, I had only 55 cents and the clothes on my back. It was my worst day, and it was my best day. (August 2023)
During an exclusive interview, the Jolly Old Elf from the North Pole shares some valuable lessons about unconditional love, magic and the true meaning of Christmas. (Dec. 2023)
My experience and observations while ‘riding along’ with one of Biddeford’s third-shift police officers. (Oct. 2001)
Written in 2012, this is my ranked list and satirical view of the top 25 most influential and politically connected people in the Biddeford-Saco area. I had loads of fun putting this list together.
- The fifth and final installment of my Biddeford After Dark series, including in-depth interviews with third-shift donut makers, factory workers and the guys who operate the MERC facility while most people are sleeping. (October 2001)
An introduction to my five-part series about my hometown and the rhythm and machinations of its late-night landscape.
This is the third installment of the five-part ‘Biddeford After Dark’ series that was published in the Biddeford-Saco Courier in October 2001. ‘Third shift is the bomb,’ one Biddeford Police officer told me during a ride-along after midnight.
An in-depth examination of flaws within the state’s public sex offender database.
Let’s stand with Paris, but let’s also not fool ourselves.
LESSONS IN MEDIOCRITY 