Try Keeping A Small Notebook In Your Pocket

Some writers keep an e-journal or a paper journal.  The journal is full of tidbits and ideas.  This doesn’t work for me.  What does work for me is a little notebook that fits in the back pocket of my jeans.  And I always carry around two ink pens. Then I go about life and forget the notebook.  But [...]

Flash Fiction Set To The Music Of The Doors

A writer finds inspiration in different places.  What comes to mind when I mention The Doors?  The music of your parents?  Sex?  Drugs?  Psychedelia?  The Old Soldier thinks The Doors are still a hot band.  A lot of young people into retro think so, too. For many writers music is an inspiration for writing short stories and [...]

Over 50 Articles For Writers

Before the Old Soldier became a full time blogger, I got my MFA in fiction writing in 2006 from the University of Pittsburgh.  I’ve had over 50 short stories and articles published in different print and online publications.  I mention these things to prove my credibility as a writer.  Writing is tough and writing well [...]

“This Man & This Woman” & Other Stories

How about a flash fiction love story about two middle age people?  Let’s call them baby boomers.  Let’s throw in a tough economy (life is art) and some crock pot cooking.  I thought the last sentence might peak your interest.  The Gazette presents, This Man and This Woman in Love If you like the above story [...]

Adult Videos

I’m speaking as an outsider, but sometimes marriage can be wonderful.  I’m also speaking as a blogger and a writer.  One of the tools a blogger and a writer must use is the power of observation. Man, I’ve seen some bad marriages.  I’ve also seen some good ones.  What makes a good marriage?  What makes any [...]

Blogging & Writing About Black Stockings

Yes, the Old Soldier is definitely old school.  Women don’t seem to wear pantyhose anymore let alone stockings.  Growing up, I thought stockings or pantyhose on a woman in a skirt or a dress was the epitome of sexiness.  I still do.  When I ask my female friends why they don’t wear stockings or pantyhose they say [...]