Below is everything (newest at top) with "culture+writing+" in its title or subcategories. For a strict listing (matching all categories and subcats), click here

THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF MOVING TO NASHVILLE
from 2023 in ( culture / writing / blog / nashville )

Tomorrow, August 26, will be my 30th anniversary of having moved from Los Angeles to Nashville. Wow... read more

OUR SILVER ANNIVERSARY!
from 2023 in ( culture / writing / blog / friendsnews )

Can you believe we've been online since 1998!?!? Even more unbelievable, we STILL have almost no audience! Truly amazing. Shouting into the void for a quarter century. Quite impressive, no? Those of you out there reading this can honestly say you're special! Even more impressive might be t... read more

DAD
from 2023 in ( culture / writing / poetry )

He came in like a lion And went out like a lamb A loving gentle good-bye As I held his soft warm hand His children Greg, Lucy, Steve, Don, Doug, Bill, and I Were his pride and joy Loved by all who knew him Every man, women, girl, and boy He would sit and watch "his horses" As they... read more

THE GREAT POWDER PUFF DERBY RACE
from 2023 in ( culture / writing / poetry )

The morning was cold and bright Everything was feeling right I hooked up the horse to the cart Onto the track, we do dart Jeppy Ho is the gelding I will race He has such a jazzy fast pace We all are excited today To me this is just like play My family is cheering me on The horses are all pa... read more

DEAR BROTHER
from 2023 in ( culture / writing / poetry )

by Jeannie WomackNumber 4 of 7 The middle child was he In his final months of life We rushed to him to see He helped me with my music Keyboard and guitar The thought of him not being here Is really quite bizarre He alw... read more

A BROTHER DEPARTS
from 2023 in ( culture / writing / poetry )

Always a trailblazer, the first of us to go. Now after the fireworks, he's gone. Here is his obituary... read more

STILL MORE ADVICE FOR WRITERS
from 2023 in ( culture / writing / advice )

I came across this video last night and thought, "Yes! Thank you!" This guy (and Lee Child) share my disagreement with the saying, "Show, Don't Tell." As Child puts it, "You tell a story. You don't show a story." That saying might apply to visual story-telling... read more

THE LAZY PUG CAFE
from 2023 in ( culture / writing / books / novels )

The Lazy Pug CafeThe Lazy Pug Caf 0233; was a dilapidated old farmhouse abandoned years ago. A massive, ancient oak tree, Ol' Lightnin', lurked out back while the house itself served as a sad but charming reminder of days gone by. Locals were grateful someone was... read more

VISITED A FAMILY MEMBER TODAY
from 2023 in ( culture / writing / blog / health )

I visited a struggling family member today. He still has trouble walking. Has to hold onto things as he goes. Trouble seeing, too. You never know what he can see or not see in front of him. At least he was much less scary/out-of-it today. His ex-wife later told me the doctors had changed his meds,... read more

INTERESTING INTERVIEW
from 2023 in ( culture / writing )

he's made some interesting movies (if this is the same guy). I'll look at the link later.Episode 380: The Ripple Effect Podcast (Jason BermasThe Future Of Humanity: Hopeful Or Hopeless?) ? ? ? Episode 380: The Ripple Effect Podcast (Jason BermasThe Future Of Hum... Jason Berma... read more

PUBLIC HEALTH
from 2023 in ( culture / writing )

It's all to protect us. Can't you see that? If you haven't already so, subscribe to her Substack. Here's a quote from the article I've forwarded below: In violation of all principles of well-ordered government, the American people have been incrementally brainwashed in recent d... read more

CO2 & TN GUN CONTROL
from 2023 in ( culture / writing )

2 interesting topics Looks like TN governor sold out from the trans shooter false flag. And these climate change legislators are morons which means they are very dangerous to have any legislative power. bitchute.com/video/FBwXI4F7-vI/... read more

DESANTIS A WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING?
from 2023 in ( culture / writing )

Just read it. Basically, DeSantis is condemned as enjoying watching the torture of inmates at Guantanamo while in the navy. Sounds believable, but despite that I bet he's better than pedo joe. From: William on behalf of William Sent: Friday, April 14, 2023 7:02 PM To: Steve ; Subject... read more

AI MURDER
from 2023 in ( culture / writing )

As you already know, these AI systems are indeed programmed by liberals and the proof comes from certain types of questions you can ask it. So whatever it says is grossly biased. Sent: Sunday, April 9, 2023 6:54 PM To: AI murder most likely a liberal On Sunday, April 9, 2023 at 11:59:42... read more

INSIDE PEOPLE'S HEADS
from 2023 in ( culture / writing )

I often like to understand what people who disagree with me are thinking. Recently I've engaged democrats who think they did the right thing by injecting the unknown ingredients of the so-called covid vaccines. I'm making this political only because nearly all democrats got these shots, wher... read more

WISHFUL THINKING?
from 2023 in ( culture / writing )

yeah.most are atheist and worship mother earth On Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 07:45:47 PM PDT: I think the climate crisis believers, deep down, consider humanity itself to be a pollutant. On 3/31/23 19:52: Hard to believe any thinking person would fall for the climate change... read more

SARA PARETSKY
from 2022 in ( culture / writing / books / novels )

Having read all the Lee Child, Connelly, Ross D. McDonald, Marcia Muller, Sandford and Sue Grafton, I recently started reading Sara Paretsky, whose stories are set in Chicago. Pretty good. I also read a couple Patricia Cornwell, but don't like the old crime-solving coroner idea much.... read more

FIRST DOCTOR'S VISIT IN YEARS
from 2022 in ( culture / writing / blog / health )

Yesterday, I had my first doctor's appointment in several years. Hey, I've been healthy. Shocking, I know. There was a sign on the outside door saying masks required, and a sign on the interior door saying the same thing. The receptionist was wearing a mask. I introduced myself. She asked i... read more

ANOTHER WAY: BEYOND THE STATUS QUO
from 2022 in ( culture / writing / books / novels )

Anti-corp shy;orate crusader Dobie Pokorny wants to save the world from corp shy;orate titans like Colonel Charon shy;ne. The latter and his henchmen are deter shy;mined to stop him. On Dobie's speak shy;ing truth to power tour, he meets and falls in love with Kaylie while endur shy;ing attacks... read more

INSPIRATION FOR MY NOVELS AND NOVELLAS
from 2022 in ( culture / writing / books / novels )

I just put this together and thought I'd share it on this blog in addition to my writing platform. Lottery PresidentWanted to s... read more

ELEMENTS OF A STORY
from 2021 in ( culture / writing / advice )

They say... What are the main ELEMENTS OF A STORY? Setting; Character; Plot; Conflict; Theme; Point-of-view; Tone; Style; ... but I would put them in order of importance: Character, Conflict, Plot, Point-of-view, Theme, Style, Tone, Setting Read, listen or w... read more

THE FADED PAGE
from 2021 in ( culture / writing / books )

Books in the public domain. Free eBooks forever. FP now includes 6312 eBooks in its collection. Read, listen or watch the rest here: fadedpage.com... read more

INGREDIENTS OF A NOVEL
from 2021 in ( culture / writing / advice )

VARIOUS WRITERS' RULES Write a draft. Then let it rest. -- Stephen King;Read a lot. -- King;Never use a long word when a short one will do. -- George Orwell;Never use the passive voice when you can use the active voice. -- Orwell;Know and understand your audience. -- Pie... read more

RANDOM BOOK REVIEWS
from 2021 in ( culture / writing / books / reviews )

From Lionel, January 2013: I just finished reading "The Walking Drum" by Louis L'Amour, a historical novel... read more

LEE CHILD QUOTE
from 2020 in ( culture / writing / advice )

Don 't get it right, get it written! -- Lee Child New Rules for Writers -- Your Novel Blueprint -- Advice for Writi... read more

FREEWRITE, THE DEVICE FOR DISTRACTION-FREE WRITING
from 2020 in ( culture / writing / tech )

Article about it here, and the manufacturer's website here. And one of their founders has an... read more

MORE ADVICE FOR WRITERS
from 2020 in ( culture / writing / advice )

People read fiction seeking clarity -- in the payoff at the end of the book -- so, one of the worst things a writer can do is to create confusion. People also read fiction for a taste of something better than their own reality. So, keep it clear and concise and, most importantly, interesting... with... read more

POLITICAL COMPASS TEST
from 2020 in ( culture / writing / politics )

Welcome! It's timely to stress that The Political Compass has been on the internet since 2001. The uniqueness of our take on politics is reflected in the gratifyingly enthusiastic reviews we've enjoyed in the national media of many countries from our earliest years - as well as from many te... read more

THOUGHTS ON WRITING
from 2020 in ( culture / writing / advice )

Louis L'Amour once said he could write while sitting in the middle of the freeway. That didn't impress me at the time, but now it does.Not one, but two dogs threw up behind me as I wrote. Was that a commentary on my writing? Wouldn't be the first time.As I told these guys in the job inte... read more

THELAZYPUGCAFE.COM
from 2020 in ( culture / writing / books / novels )

My latest short story, based on our real life pugs Daisy, Chandler and Joey, the latter of whom is the only one still alive and barking. See amazon.com/dp/B085XM6QW8The Lazy Pug Cafe was a dilapidated old two-story farmhouse abandoned years ago, lately serving as a sad b... read more

REVIEW MY BOOKS
from 2020 in ( culture / writing / books / reviews )

If you've read any of my novels, please give them a review on Amazon (click the book's image, below or on the right, then click the "Write a Customer Review" button on its Amazon page, to the left), on Apple Books,... read more

GOOD ARTICLE ABOUT STORYTELLING
from 2020 in ( culture / writing / advice )

Pop culture today is obsessed with the battle between good and evil. Traditional folktales never were. What changed? Read, listen or watch the rest here: the-good-guy-bad-guy-m... read more

BEST FICTION OF 2019
from 2020 in ( culture / writing / books / novels )

The Testaments by Margaret Atwood... wins this year's Best Fiction award for her... read more

NO ANNOYING PROMPTS
from 2019 in ( culture / writing / blog / friendsnews )

Aren't you glad we don't have any of those annoying pop-up ads asking you to join our newsletter? Ironic, isn't it, given that we are an "online newsletter?"Please support this website, should you be so inclined: buy one of my novels/novellas; buy... read more

BEST AND WORST SELF-PUBLISHING SITES
from 2019 in ( culture / writing / advice )

Good site showing who to trust (or not) when it comes to self-publishing: self-publishing-service-reviewsNew Rules for Writers -- Your Novel Blueprint --... read more

MOST POPULAR SITE ON THE INTERNET
from 2019 in ( culture / writing / blog / friendsnews )

This is the 12,157,539th most popular website in the world, according to silktide.com! Wow! We have hit the big time. See image here:... read more

SUPPORT THIS SITE
from 2019 in ( culture / writing / blog / friendsnews )

...should you be so inclined: Buy one of my books at Amazon or... read more

HOW TO SUPPORT THIS WEBSITE
from 2019 in ( culture / writing / blog / friendsnews )

Please support this website, should you be so inclined: buy one of my novels/novellas; buy me a (virtual) cup of coffee here or here;... read more

HISTORY OF FRIENDSNEWS.COM
from 2019 in ( culture / writing / blog / friendsnews )

FYI for those researching insignificant corners of the web: Wayback Machine Please support this website, should you be so inclined: buy one of my novels/novellas; buy me a (virtual) cu... read more

ALL OF MY BOOKS
from 2019 in ( culture / writing / books / novels )

See Novels/NovellasFeatured book deals on SmashwordsAno... read more

OPERATION DETOUR
from 2019 in ( culture / writing / books / novels )

Riva, a beautiful young "black ops" agent on her first assignment, tries to turn Alex into her own "asset" just to prove she can. When he loses both his job and his girlfriend, she thinks he's putty in her hands. When he decides to go out with a bang, she's afraid she'... read more

TEMPORARY INSANITY
from 2019 in ( culture / writing / books / novels )

Long before winning the lottery and running for president, Benny was living in L.A. working as a temporary word processor (typist). For his latest assignment, he thought he was taking just another temp job. He didn't anticipate Venelia and the Dynamos. The what?... read more

RECENTLY-DISCOVERED BOOK REPOSITORY
from 2019 in ( culture / writing / books )

HathiTrust is a partnership of academic and research institutions, offering a collection of millions of titles digitized from libraries around the world. See Hathi Trust Digital Library... read more

HOW TO MOVE A BOOK STORE
from 2018 in ( culture / writing / books )

A rent increase forced the owners of October Books to move locations in Southampton. They used a crowd funding campaign and loans to buy a former bank location about 500 feet down the street for $400,000.Cool!... read more

BEST THRILLERS OF ALL-TIME
from 2018 in ( culture / writing / books / novels )

According to the Telegraph, anyway. An interesting list. Several if not most of these were that author's first published novel. I've actually read half of these, though it's been years.... read more

NOVELS/NOVELLAS
from 2018 in ( culture / writing / books / novels )

Did I mention I've written a few novels/novellas? Another Way: Beyond the Status Quo A politically-incorrect manifesto. Anti-corporate crusader Dobie Pokorny wants to save the world. His old boss, Colonel Charonne, wants to stop him. On his truth tour, Dobie meets and... read more

CATS DISRESPECTING PUGS
from 2017 in ( culture / writing / pets )

So, I'm lying on the bed with the pug Joey between my legs. No, that's not a figure of speech. I'm referring to an actual dog between my calves. Anyway, the cat (Sunny) comes up, thinks about jumping across my legs to the other side, then decides to just step on me, then step on Joey,... read more

WRITERS NEED FOLLOWERS?
from 2016 in ( culture / writing / advice )

Publishers and writing gurus preach that writers need followers. The problem is that emotionally-stable people don't want followers. They want friends, compatriots, people who listen, not followers. Especially zombie followers. They're the worst! :) But seriously, I don't trust anyone w... read more

LAST TRAIN OUT
from 2016 in ( culture / writing / books / novels )

Clay and his adopted daughter, Jenna, look forward to their upcoming "homeland tour" to Russia. His intentions are pure. Hers, not so much. When she goes missing, his worst fears are realized. She is not the innocent little girl he thought she was. Not even close.... read more

RECENT TWEETS
from 2015 in ( culture / writing / tweets )

Note: I am no longer on Twitter or Facebook. I remember when I didn't know what a "tweet" was, other than the sound a bird makes. It wasn't so long ago, either. Below is just a random list of tweets. Pathetic, I know, but I felt the need to put something new on the site. Anyway. S... read more

MY NOVELS
from 2015 in ( culture / writing / books / novels )

Read, listen or watch the rest here: WilliamArthurHolmes.com Go to Another peek at my booksAn... read more

REQUIEM FOR A PIGEON
from 2014 in ( culture / writing / poetry )

by BillWe witnessed a pigeon's demiseRight here on the dock o' the BayThere was nothing we could doNothing we could sayIt just wasn't the pigeon's dayWe tried mouth-to-beakAnd the Heimlich techniqueBut the pigeon had croakedDid you know pigeons float?Well, this one sure did today!... read more

ADVICE FOR WRITING
from 2014 in ( culture / writing / advice )

A writer's narrative perspective (their "voice," or, how they come across to their reader) must be: This is me talking to you. That's it. Nothing more, nothing less. It's not: This is me 100 years ago speaking in a "classical" voice. It's not: Speaking as if from... read more

TWEETS PAGE
from 2013 in ( culture / writing / tweets )

Note: I am no longer on Twitter or Facebook, but here's what I've managed to salvage from back then. My Twitter feed: by TheBillHolmesSome of my better tweets, according to me ...Never wo... read more

HOW DOES WRITING AFFECT YOUR BRAIN?
from 2013 in ( culture / writing / health )

Interesting ... to me, anyway. Most of us write a little something everyday. It might be a grocery list, a poem, or a write-up on the infographic of the day. As we go through this daily ritual, however, we are probably not aware of the effects writing has on our brains. See... read more

STARTED A NEW STORY TODAY
from 2013 in ( culture / writing / books / novels )

I started writing a new story today. Can't say much about it except that it's pretty much sci-fi, though it might wander into religion and politics. So, yeah, it should offend just about everyone. Then I took a break and started cleaning. Did a load of dishes. Vacuumed and cleaned the office... read more

CRACKING UP OVER LOTTERY PRESIDENT
from 2013 in ( culture / writing / books / novels )

Here's one of my brothers reading my book, Lottery President. He seems to be enjoying it. I swear I didn't pay him to do this. New book out! Here's my... read more

LOTTERY PRESIDENT
from 2013 in ( culture / writing / books / novels )

For most people, winning $300 million in the lottery would be enough. They would buy a big house, trave... read more

GUEST POSTING
from 2013 in ( culture / writing / blog / friendsnews )

I've been following and listening to Jeff Goins's TribeWriters program, and he says an important aspect to successful blogging (at least as far as getting noticed) is to "guest post" on other people's blogs. Jeff is a great resource, by the way. So, if you want to post somethin... read more

I AM NOW A PUBLISHED AUTHOR
from 2013 in ( culture / writing / books / novels )

It's SELF-published, but still ... It's called "Lottery President."Hopefully, it's at least slightly entertaining. Tell a friend!Here... read more

BLOG CONTENT
from 2013 in ( culture / writing / blog / internet )

I'm as guilty as anyone about trying to add content to my blog just for the sake of content (because search engines look for and rate highly based on how "fresh" your blog's content is). But someone whose blog/newsletter I subscribe to has stooped to simply stating the obvious, may... read more

YOUR NOVEL BLUEPRINT
from 2013 in ( culture / writing / advice / novels )

Good article for writers. Writing a novel and building a house are pretty similar when you think about it. For instance, most builders or homeowners spend a lot of time dreaming... Read, listen or watch the rest here:... read more

MY WRITER'S PLATFORM
from 2013 in ( culture / writing / books )

WilliamArthurHolmes.com is my "writer's platform," with a page showing where you can buy, preview and/or review all of my books. Or, just look below...... read more

FOOLING THEMSELVES
from 2012 in ( culture / writing / blog / politics )

The elites are adept at fooling themselves and too many others into thinking that they know best. The superiority they bestow upon themselves is a convenient justification for keeping us "commoners" in the dark, and themselves in power.... read more

A COUPLE OF BOOKS/NOVELLAS ON KINDLE
from 2012 in ( culture / writing / books / novels )

I've published a couple of books/novellas on Kindle recently: "Lottery President" is a political thriller; and "Operation Detour" is a darkly comedic adventu... read more

WRITING PAGE
from 2012 in ( culture / writing )

Writers on the subject of writingMy author's pageBooksJokes Poe... read more

NEW RULES FOR WRITERS
from 2011 in ( culture / writing / advice )

Anis Shivani: New Rules For Writers: Ignore Publicity, Shun Crowds, Refuse Recognition And More These "rules" totally go against every prescription for writing success you'll hear as a young new writer from all quar... read more

SCREENPLAY SUBMITTED
from 2010 in ( culture / writing / screenplays )

I submitted a screenplay to Scriptapalooza today. See scriptapalooza.com. The first deadline is Friday the 5th. The real deadline is April 15. I think first prize is $10,000, but the main thing is that real Hollywood industry people read all of the scripts, so maybe even if you don't... read more

MY FAMILY MEMBERS' BOOKS
from 2010 in ( culture / writing / books )

Scared to Life ...and Loving It!: One Man's Journey With Prostate Cancerby Kenneth J. Souza... read more

THAWING OUT
from 2010 in ( culture / writing / blog / weather )

Hopefully. It snowed a good 5-6 inches Friday in and around Nashville. It wasn't good snowman/snowball snow, though. Not in our neighborhood, anyway. It was too crusty because of the freezing rain that came after the snow. It made for great sledding, though, which Elizabeth and I spent several h... read more

POETRY BY FRIENDSNEWS MEMBERS PAGE
from 2008 in ( culture / writing / poetry )

A Prince in DisguiseA Saga of SevenHatsPeople you'll be missing an... read more

HATS
from 2008 in ( culture / writing / poetry )

by Jeannie WomackJoseph wore many hats in his life,the first one was of son,next an officer, a Dutch Marine,that to him was fun;In Maastricht, in'49,he married his childhood love,now he was Tina's devot... read more

PEOPLE YOU'LL BE MISSING AND WHY
from 2008 in ( culture / writing / poetry )

by Jeannie WomackThe time has come for you to move on,but I'm sure you'll be missing us while you are gone;No more conversation with boss Catherine to really make you think,You'll miss your adventures with su... read more

A PRINCE IN DISGUISE
from 2008 in ( culture / writing / poetry )

by Jeannie WomackWe met on the race track in'72I couldn't resist his eyes, so blueWe soon fell in love and started a lifeIn'76 he made me his wife A teacher, leader, rebel and yesA son, brothe... read more

THE RUN
from 2008 in ( culture / writing / poetry )

by Jeannie Womack Running in the rain isn't the pain a non-runner might think it would be I put on my jacket that has a hood, lace up my shoes, and stretching is good I open the door, expecting more as the rain comes sprin... read more

A SAGA OF SEVEN
from 2008 in ( culture / writing / poetry )

This is a story in the style called rapthat'll surely encourage an afternoon napof a family of seven, their kids and their wivesand something regarding their travels and lives. Now first there was Greg, a Brooklyn-born lad;and then it was Lucy that Mom and Dad had.She was born at Sing Sing (no,... read more

BOOKS PAGE
from 2008 in ( culture / writing / books )

amazon.com/dp/B085XM6QW8/... read more

THE LEGEND OF CONAN
from 2005 in ( culture / writing / poetry )

(Irish Traditional) Once there was a kitten Conan was his name He grew to nearly 20 pounds But a kitten he remained He grew to be ferocious Feared throughout the land Hush, my child and you shall hear The legend of Conan A harder working kitten The world has never seen He'd guar... read more

A GIRL NAMED LUCY
from 1998 in ( culture / writing / poetry )

from 1990This is a story'bout a girl named LucyOtherwise known as "The Rappin' Watusi"She lays down a beat that gets your toes tappin'If your toes get tired, let your fingers do the snappin'She says "Hey buddy, don't you be no square"If you can't find a... read more

A DAY AT THE RACES
from 1998 in ( culture / writing / stories / horseracing )

from 1994The first Saturday in May. What does this date mean to you? Probably nothing, except that Spring has finally arrived, unless you live in California where it's been Spring already for two months or more - real Spring, not calendar Spring. But ask any horse racing buff and they will tel... read more

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