Writers
Tales of Our Cities: Jersey City’s Book Festival
Every September, the Jersey City Free Public Library organizes an annual book festival in downtown Jersey City. The event showcases local authors and promises something for readers of all ages. This past Sunday marked the 10th Annual Tales of Our Cities. While researching my book, I relied heavily on the treasures in the New Jersey…
Washington Irving: An Autumn Rendezvous
During the past several weeks, I have been spending an usual amount of time researching and contemplating the first American writer to stand on the international stage–Washington Irving, who penned such beloved classics as “Rip Van Winkle” and “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”
Wow! I’m an Award-Winning Author
The past year has been a series of dreams come true. My first book, Left Bank of the Hudson, was published in October 2017. Next, I embarked upon a multi-city book tour. On May 31, 2018, my book earned the J. Owen Grundy History Award from the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy. Yes, I’m now an…
The J. Owen Grundy History Award: My Book’s First Honor
On Thursday, May 31, 2018, the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy will be awarding Left Bank of the Hudson: Jersey City and the Artists of 111 1st Street (Fordham University Press) with the 2018 J. Owen Grundy History Award at the organization’s 18th Annual Preservation Awards.
Murder in Matera: A Short (and Late) Reflection
In early March, I attended a reading by Helene Stapinski at WORD in Jersey City, New Jersey. Due to the (correctly) predicted blizzard, I briefly considered heading straight home after work. I was glad that I didn’t.
In the Shadow of Poor Richard
Earlier this year, I received an invitation from a librarian at the Philadelphia City Institute to speak about my book, Left Bank of the Hudson (Fordham University Press). I didn’t need to consider my calendar or conflicts: I quickly accepted. Philadelphia remains a special city for me. I lived there in the early 2000s. The…
A Very, Very Brief Hiatus
Due to an impending writing deadline and two speaking engagements during the first week of May, I’ll be taking a brief hiatus from my blogging duties. Don’t fret: I should return in several weeks.
Little City Books: An Evening in Hoboken
On the evening of April 4, 2018, Little City Books in Hoboken, New Jersey invited me to talk about my book, Left Bank of the Hudson (Fordham University Press), and its larger themes of artists, cities, and gentrification. DJ Trouble from WFMU (91.1FM) served as a sharp and engaging moderator for the event. (Fun fact:…
