Tom Swift Writer’s Notebook

I addition to bookish podcasts, I appreciate finding those that serve useful information in bite-sized portions. For one thing, the radio in the old Corolla barely functions — and that’s when the sky is clear. More important, I need options while at the gym, as I bench my 125 pounds and simultaneously try to avoid [...]

As I always say, it’s good when your name is attached to worthwhile projects.

We don’t know for certain the precise day Charles Bender entered the world. For a long time Bender was led to believe his birthday was May 3, 1883. As I explain in the book, that date is almost certainly off — by about a year. The established date, the one he came to recognize, is [...]

David Bender writes with a message that makes me warm inside:
As an ancestor of Charles Albert Bender and as an American Indian, I’d like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for writing “Chief Bender’s Burden.” I haven’t read it yet. I actually just discovered it today on the Borders Web site. What [...]

Finally saw There Will Be Blood and a day later two impressions stick. Daniel Day-Lewis is such a gifted actor I could have enjoyed his performance with the sound turned off. The soundtrack was so maddening I considered that option.

The other day, as a kind person was helping me line up an author event, I was accused of being too modest — a charge that could be refuted by the testimony of many credible witnesses. Also by the fact I have an entire Web site devoted to myself. Besides, I’m not self-effacing. I’m self-interested.
As [...]

I have been invited on Comment Please, a long-running mid-day talk show on suburban Philadelphia station WNPV (1440 AM), a Philadelphia Phillies radio affiliate. I’ll chat with Darryl Berger, 20-year host of the respected show — which devotes airtime to everything from local culture to national politics — at about 11:30 a.m. (eastern) on Monday, [...]

The Wire rules. I’m about a half-decade behind the curve with that observation but, man, it’s quality talking-picture entertainment. The story is nuanced, concise, compelling. The characters are rich and real. And likable. Even the drug dealers. Maybe especially the drug dealers.
As I watch — we’re waiting for the final disc of Season 2 to [...]