That’s me in the horns. It was not, as it turns out, a phase.

REFORMED SOUTHERNER is where I write fiction in short and serial form and share some of the ridiculous research I perform in the name of good storytelling.

My first novel, The Devil’s Road, comes out in January 2027. It’s drawn from a true case I couldn’t leave alone. I started chasing it as a spec pilot to pitch to streamers and networks. Then it moved into serial form here, and finally I admitted to myself that it was a book. Between now and January, I’ll share a few new excerpts, notes on what I’m reading, and whatever research I think might tickle your fancy.

I grew up in a small southern town where mispronouncing the name of your birthplace was considered a badge of honor, as well as a sore spot to poke whenever an outsider didn’t have the inside dope. I started telling stories when I was seven and got cast as an orphan in the community theatre production of Oliver Twist. When the lights came up and the audience sat forward to listen, I knew I was hooked. I’ve been chasing that sensation ever since … theatre, feature films, and now onto the page.

If you like what you find here, pass it along. Nothing draws a crowd like a crowd.

WHAT YOU GET

FREE: Every post as it goes out, plus the archive. Comments on most posts.

PAID ($5/month): Comments on everything, and a say in where the serial fiction goes next. Also the luxury of sleeping better knowing you’re paying for art.

YEARLY ($50/year): Same as above, two months cheaper.

Come on in ... the water’s fine.