Spark IV is out

As predicted, it’s fantastic. You’ll find stories from amazing writers like Alex Svhartsman, Alex Kane, Brad Torgersen, Erica Satifka, Alexis A. Hunter, Stewart C. Baker and others. And of course you’ll find my short story “9 Steps from Door 9”.

In conjunction with the excellent editor of Spark IV, Brian Lewis, I’m offering a coupon code for friends and fans. Go to the main Spark IV book site, then click the “Trade Paperback+eBook bundle” option, and add to your shopping cart. Apply this discount coupon code to receive 35% off: HODGES-FRIENDS. Or, you can pay more at Amazon.

Either way, you’re getting a fine read.

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White-tailed buck

While in Montana over the fall and winter of 2013, I had the privilege of filming the white-tailed deer rut. The deer are not as cautious as usual, as they are focused on mating. I spent days with these gracious creatures, rising with the sun and leaving as it disappeared. After a while, I picked up on the deer’s rhythms, and maybe they picked up on mine.

This big buck decided to stop and pose for me in the teasel. Already I’m counting the days until I can return to the Northern Rockies. A person can still be homeless, even with a roof over their head.

Hoss-Buck

Illinois: cougar killin’ country

Illinois has done it again. They made sure to kill another rare cougar as quickly as possible.

I’m embarrassed by the Illinois DNR, certain residents, and other government institutions when it comes to self-awareness. Embarrassed at the lack of tolerance for other living things. It seems that any wild animal, be it cougar or wolf, is gunned down or gleefully peppered with arrows as soon as it crosses the border. Cougars aren’t even protected in the state despite being extirpated many years ago.

It’s true, Illinois isn’t exactly wild country. I’d say it’s the least wild state. I’d also classify it as the least scenic state. Illinois wasn’t born this way. We did it.

On November 20th (I was out of town or I would have been all over this story), an Illinois Department of Natural Resources conservation officer responded to a call from a farmer in Whiteside County. Continue reading

2014. Planet Earth. Cold. Snow. Midwest.

It’s getting interesting. 2013 was an amazing year professionally, and I’m thrilled to have several short stories appearing in the coming weeks. My snarky science fiction tale, “9 Steps from Door 9” will be appearing in Spark IV along with a bevy of fantastic writers. My epic science fiction/mystery/wolf tale “Lost Planes, Lost River” is set for the January edition of Perihelion Science Fiction. And if you haven’t yet, check out my latest piece, “Hydra” over at AE: Science Fiction. There are also several other projects looming large, so large that they are taking almost all my time. More details to come….

I planned to write a detailed year in review, but those things always come off as so self-involved. If you’re on this site, simply check the “Story” section for 2013. Maybe skim down and see some of the nature entries.

So how do I feel about another year added to the stack? Honestly, I don’t feel any different. I’m not even sure I’m supposed to. I do know it’s cold and snowy, so that means winter. And my heart is still beating, which is nice. I know I need water and food, and I know I’m on this floating ball of rock just like all of you, wondering about the why’s and the how’s.

I wish you all a healthy and happy new year.

All my best,

-Michael