Tales From the Texas Timberlands, Volume 2 is an anthology consisting of five stories rooted in East Texas life, family memory, faith, work, and community. What was the inspiration behind this anthology?

I have lived in East Texas for 69 years. Over that period of time, stories accumulate in a person’s life. Many of them are unique and add a special flavor to the human experience. I wanted other people to hear these stories. They have made my life richer.

Many of your characters are teachers, coaches, public servants, veterans, or church members. What draws you to writing about everyday people rather than larger-than-life heroes?

That has been my experience. I’m a former teacher and coach. I had a planning and management consulting business for thirty-eight years that worked with local governments throughout the state of Texas. During that time, I was also a bivocational minister of music in my church. Larger-than-life heroes are sometimes unrealistic. These everyday people are true heroes doing what it takes to help them and their community live life to its fullest.

Of the five stories in this volume, which one was the most personally meaningful—or the most challenging—for you to write, and why?

When We All Get to Heaven. I have sung that song since I was able to sing. It has always resonated with me as the complete life experience. We journey through this world, then shed this body and move into everlasting life. It’s a very human and joyful song.

What do you hope readers, especially those unfamiliar with East Texas, come away understanding about its people, history, and way of life after reading Tales from the Texas Timberlands Volume 2?

I still believe in hero stories. I know there is some very good anti-hero literature out there, but frankly I’m tired of it. I believe most people want to do the right thing for themselves, their families and their neighbors every day. They need heroes to lead them. We have those people in East Texas. East Texans lack stories about their heroes. I also believe that people from other places need to read about heroes, and I invite them to read this book.

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