This week, every time I speak with a cashier, or barista, or waiter, or nurse, or doctor, or pharmacist, or janitor, or gym worker, or mail delivery person or teacher, I thank them for keeping the city of Missoula running, and our country. They are the glue that keeps our lives functioning during these unique times. They are irreplaceable and on the front lines.
Thank you all.
Well folks, winter has arrived here in the great North of Montana. I’m busy writing and about to head to a doctors appointment. But first I’d like to post this image of a great white-tailed deer taken last week on the prairie. It’s been an absolute honor to live in these great mountains the last six years.
Hey everyone, greetings from a wintry scene in Missoula. I’ve been writing all day and keeping toasty. However, I have some cool news concerning my short story collection “The Gloaming” coming soon. Also, Facebook recently made major changes to pages. You can now follow my official fan page here.
It looks like wolves are poised to return to Colorado thanks to voters and a re-introduction initiative. Although Colorado is home to beautiful mountains and national forests, the state is rather tame compared to Montana due to the lack of native predators like wolves and grizzlies.
Let’s hope this changes very soon.
I took this image of a wild wolf in Glacier National Park last fall, when Wrigley was still alive. It was our last trip into Glacier together. I’ll never forget you, old friend. It was an honor to have you at my feet for almost thirteen years. What a day we had in Glacier.
Well folks, it’s been an interesting time since last March, hasn’t it? With Halloween approaching (my favorite holiday) I wanted to delve into a writing update, social media update, and a thank you to a few people.
First, I’m sitting on a couple film deal announcements based on my stories. And I’m very proud of who is making these films. Over the last two years I’ve slowed my roll and shifted to screenplays and development. BUT…I’m now working on a new novel based on a short story called “Lost Planes, Lost River”. I’m exciting to be getting back to writing an epic, along with finishing THE PULLER screenplay.
People sometimes say to me “you’re lucky you’re a writer, Covid messed my job up”. But Covid also messed my job up. I was down in LA March 20th, and had really cool meetings set up with various figures in the entertainment industry (along with a talent agency) and the city was shut down two days later and all my meetings turned to zooms, and ultimately I ended up leaving LA for Montana even though the plan was to move to LA. I still remember my agent Lane walking up the street in the Hollywood Hills with his suitcase, trying to catch his flight. That’s the last time I saw him in person.
And to the “thank you” section. I want to thank the front line workers of Missoula for putting their asses on the line to keep this place running. People like my friend Caitlin, a barista at my favorite coffee shop. Or Denton, the pharmacist. Or my doctor, Dr. Acharya. Or the cleaning crew and front desk staff at my hotel, like William and Julie.
These are the people keeping this city alive during this crappy pandemic. And I CANNOT do what I do without them.
Finally, I should mention that Facebook recently invited me to their fan subscription program. You can sign up @michaelhodgesauthor for all kinds of unique content, from writing news to photography to everyday life content.
Thanks everyone. Be well.
Best,
– Michael
