Nonfiction

Finding the Way: A Study in Leadership
I found the perfect metaphor for dynamic leadership—a photograph of a train in the mountains of Colorado. Getting a train up wasn't as easy as it seems. This links my knowledge of railroads to my business school background.

First—and Last—Duck Hunt
Phil was an avid outdoorsman determined to introduce his reporter friend to duck hunting. One beautiful Idaho sunrise, a spectacular coincidence made that first hunt their last.

Fishing with P.F. Worthless and Francis Bye
I became a good writer under the tutelage of my journalism professor, world-famous author Patrick F. McManus. I became a good father under the tutelage of my father-in-law, Francis Bye. The collision of those two separate worlds still brings me joy.

Learning Art from an Artist
It's one thing to be a fine artist and have such talent that everyone recognizes it. It's another thing to grow up in the Great Depression, when artists were viewed as non-productive—and told their dreams had to be put on hold. My mother was one of those.

One Brick at a Time
Legos. Everywhere Legos. But these had a therapeutic purpose—bringing a cancer patient through the worst times. Here is one family's journey from sadness to celebration, told through the lens of a household filled with bricks.

Snowy Road to Eagle Badge
It took a lot of jumping through hoops, and tremendous reams of red tape, but in June 1969 I was awarded my Eagle Scout badge, six months later than I should have earned it. Blame the weather, because I did everything by the books.

Taking My Nose Out of My Kindle
Rolling by train across the northern United States has the benefit of a leisurely view of America—and an opportunity to chat with people from all over the world. Aboard Amtrak, I met some of the biggest characters (and a genuine fibber) in my life.