Following is a list of the monthly columns I’ve written for the Washington Independent Review of Books, covering everything from literature to theory to hip hop to Wonder Woman.
STORIES FOR CHILDREN
(11/11/24)
This was in my newsletter, post the 2024 election, and the editor from the Independent asked if they could run it in their paper.
AN INTERVIEW WITH LYDIA KANG AND ALEX SEGURA
(10/24/23)
I talked with Lydia Kang and Alex Segura about their work with Marvel and Star Wars, and how other writers can find those types of opportunities to work with established IPs.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
(8/18/22)
I came across 1996’s The Writer’s Desk and it inspired this column about where people write, with input from Yasmin Angoe, Kathleen Barber, and Eryk Pruitt.
WOMEN WRITING WOMEN IN CRIME FICTION
(8/18/22)
I interviewed May Cobb, Katie Gutierrez, and Jennifer Hillier about breaking boundaries in crime fiction.
A Conversation with c.j. prince
(6/30/22)
I interviewed the inaugural winner of the Sisters in Crime Pride Award, C.J. Prince.
BEING THERE
(5/12/22)
I wrote about the return to in-person events after the pandemic, and how it’s still important to be careful.
An Interview with Alex Segura
(3/24/22)
I talked with the best dude in crime fiction about his sensational novel, Secret Identity.
Why You Should Have a Newsletter
(2/3/22)
All sorts of good reasons to have your own newsletter!
A Letter to My Seven-Year-Old Son
(12/17/21)
I wrote this letter to my son about why we need diverse books.
Self-Care and Self-Correction
(10/28/21)
All about the break I didn’t end up needing and how Pitch Wars helped me out.
A Writer’s Bucket List
(9/9/21)
My friends Mia P. Manansala, Lori Rader-Day, Eliza Nellums, and Lisa Regan and I came up with our writer’s bucket lists. I don’t ask for much.
Giving and Taking (a Break)
(7/22/21)
I wrote this column about the lack of Noir at the Bars I’ve hosted in 2021, after such a run in 2020, and why.
Liar’s Club
(4/15/21)
I wrote about bigotry in the American novel, with a focus on crime fiction. Man, I write about that a lot. I wish I didn’t have to.
A Matter of Pride
(2/25/21)
Sisters in Crime is one of the strongest advocacy organizations in crime fiction, and pretty much all of publishing. I interviewed past president Sherry Harris and John Copenhaver about SinC’s new initiative for LGBTCIA+ writers, the Pride Award.
Let’s Write About Sex, Baby
(2/12/21)
I asked a group of writers to list their favorite passages about sex. Because it’s close to Valentine’s Day and I’m a romantic.
Haughty Enough for Ya?
(1/7/21)
Although my books are traditionally published, I wanted to look into the obstacles and snobbishness that self-published writers face. So I did, with the help of two great self-published writers, Matt Iden and Dharma Kelleher.
Holiday Crime Fiction
(11/19/20)
I compiled a list of Nov/Dec publications from DC/MD/VA-area writers that you’ll want to add to your holiday shopping list.
The Scream
(10/1/20)
Should writers stay silent when it comes to politics? Nope. Here’s why.
The New Guard
(8/13/20)
I wrote this about the George R.R. Martin controversy and how it pertains to crime fiction.
An Interview with S.A. Cosby
(7/7/20)
I interviewed my friend Shawn Cosby about his breakthrough novel, Blacktop Wasteland, and his DUBIOUS taste in DC Comics.
The Demise
(6/25/20)
I wrote about the problems with representation in crime fiction, issues with harassment, and the fall of the International Thriller Writers.
Community Spread
(5/7/20)
During the pandemic, I organized a virtual series of Noirs at the Bar for D.C., on behalf of independent bookstores. And I wrote about the experience here.
Cut to the Chase
(3/19/20)
I wrote about short stories, shortly after The Swamp Killers, was published, and asked writers Art Taylor, Laskowski, and Sarah M. Chen to list their favorites.
American Dirty
(1/30/20)
I didn’t write about American Dirt, the controversial novel about Mexico and immigration. Instead, I responded to the arguments about representation, and who has the right to say what in writing.
Exit the Dragon
(10/21/19)
I wrote about Crime Writers of Color, my involvement in the organization, and knights and dragons.
Eight More Autumn Novels to Watch For
(10/24/19)
The second part of my “fall/winter crime fiction books by DC/MD/VA writers” column, which needs a shorter title.
An Interview with Angel Luis Colon
(10/22/19)
I had the chance to interview Angel about his wonderful anthology, Paque Tu Los Sepas. It’s an important book and all of the proceeds go to recovery efforts from Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico.
Eight Autumn Novels to Watch For
(9/5/19)
I wrote a list of upcoming crime fiction novels in the DC/MD/VA area that readers should keep an eye out for (part one of two).
An Interview with Alex Segura
(8/6/19)
I talked with my friend, and really good writer, Alex Segura about the last book in his Pete Fernandez series, Miami Midnight.
An Interview with Jamie Mason
(7/30/19)
I had the chance to interview one of my favorite people and writers, Jamie Mason, about her book, The Hidden Things, as well as social media and privacy.
Virginia is for (Book) Lovers
(7/18/19)
I tore my Achilles and had to withdraw from the 1455 Literary Festival’s inaugural event, but I thought the idea sounded great and wrote a column about an event I did with Angie Kim down in Winchester, and followed it with an interview with festival founder, Sean Murphy.
Lend Me Your Dog Ears
(5/30/19)
I wrote an article about why you should absolutely, definitely, dog-ear books. I’m a monster. And I’m okay with that.
The Little Shop of Yours
(2/21/19)
I wrote about One More Page Books and More, one of the D.C. region’s best bookstores! They also sell booze and chocolate.
An Interview with Nik Korpon
(2/12/19)
Perk of the gig! Not often you get to interview one of your writing heroes.
Don’t tell him I said that.
Notes from the Fringe
(1/3/19)
There was a controversy in the crime fiction community, and I wrote about it, and what it means in terms of diversity. Sort of.
An Attitude of (Writerly) Gratitude
(11/22/18)
After attending Murder and Mayhem in Milwaukee, I wanted to write about how great book festivals are, and included a list of ones in the D.C. area.
Quality Control
(10/11/18)
I wrote this about the different expectations for writers of colors, particularly in crime fiction, and why they exist.
The Four Tops
(8/30/18)
Cute title, right? I didn’t come up with it. Anyway, here are four books I recommended that everyone should read.
Authors Unload
(7/26/18)
As a followup, I invited Chris Holm, Lori Rader-Day, and Alex Segura to discuss what led to their Unloaded: Vol. 2 short stories.
Essay Test
(6/21/18)
My essay about a shooting that affected my life is in the second volume of Unloaded: More Crime Writers Writing Without Guns. This column explains what led to it.
Absence of Malice
(5/17/18)
I attended the Malice Domestic convention for the first time, and realized I should have been attending it long before this year.
Vision Test
(4/12/18)
I wrote about my early love of John Updike’s writing, and how it stands up to today’s morals. The answer: Maybe not too well?
What Led to the Flood
(3/8/18)
A joint essay with me, Hilary Davidson, Gwen Florio, J.J. Hensley, and Shannon Kirk about the societal issues that led to our stories in The Night of the Flood.
#OwnVoices
(2/1/18)
I wrote about the #OwnVoices movement and Ruby Ibarra, your favorite Filipino rapper that you’ve never heard of (it makes sense when you read it).
Monster’s Ball
(12/28/17)
Had the pleasure to write with my film expert pals again (Scott Adlerberg and Dr. Margeurite Rippy) about films we used to love, but now…not so much.
Four Books I’m Thankful For
(11/23/17)
My Thanksgiving Day column was about four books I’m thankful for since people need something else to talk about during Thanksgiving dinner besides politics.
When Statues Fall
(10/19/17)
So many news stories about celebrities falling into moral disgrace. I decided to write about it.
An Interview with Eryk Pruitt
(10/6/17)
I interviewed one of my favorite writers, Eryk Pruitt, about his work in novels, film, and podcasting. He likes to do things.
Film? Study
(9/14/17)
7 classic movie recommendations that are perfect for contemporary times, with recommendations from my smart cinephile friends: Scott Adlerberg, Radha Vatsal, and Marguerite Rippy.
5 Rappers to Book
(8/1017)
5 Rappers that readers would totally probably maybe like.
Wonder Women
(7/6/17)
A comparison of Wonder Women to literary feminist utopias and also Family Guy. It makes sense.
Invisible Touch
(6/1/17)
I wrote about how an Abby Mott concert gave me goosebumps, and then asked a bunch of DC/MD/VA writers for their favorite “goosebump” lines in literature.
No, YOU’RE Stupid
(5/4/17)
A writer dissed The Great Gatsby in a Vice column. This was my defense.
Honorable Mention?
(4/6/17)
My thoughts on the decision to include NWA’s debut album in the National Recording Registry. Spoiler alert: I was against it.
Free Speech May Cost You
(3/9/17)
I wrote about Milo Y. and his missing $250,000 advance.
Dear Cupid
(2/9/17)
The third installment of my Valentine’s Day advice column. Contains a new approach to using Post-It notes.
The Long Life of Short Fiction
(1/12/17)
My thoughts on why the public doesn’t read short stories. Short answer? I’m not sure.
Review of Crime Plus Music: Twenty Stories of Music-Themed Noir
(12/26/16)
A mostly-positive review of an anthology of crime fiction short stories inspired by music.
5 Gifts for the Bookworm in Your Life
(12/15/16)
My annual holiday gift-giving guide, this time targeted to bookworms.
8 Books to Comfort and Console You
(11/17/16)
A lot of people were really bummed after the 2016 election so, with the help of eight local writers, I wrote a column listing books that help comfort people.
Just Words
(10/20/16)
The 2016 presidential campaign pushed sexual assault to the forefront of public discourse, so I addressed it here.
4 Highlights from Bouchercon
(9/22/16)
Written after I attended Bouchercon, the conference that makes everyone all sentimental.
An Interview with Jen Michalski
(9/6/16)
I had the chance to interview Baltimore superstar, Jen Michalksi, about her new novel, THE SUMMER SHE WAS UNDER WATER.
Nelson Algren: An Introduction
(8/25/16)
My thoughts on one of the best writers you’ve never heard of, Nelson Algren.
On Meeting Famous Writers
(7/28/16)
An FAQ on how to act when you meet a famous writer. Based on my bad decision-making in the past.
4 Patriotic Books in Honor of the 4th
(6/30/16)
That title might be a little misleading, because a lot of the column is devoted to hating fireworks.
An Interview with Jen Conley(6/11/16)
I interviewed my friend Jen Conleyabout her terrific debut collection of short stories, CANNIBALS: STORIES FROM THE EDGE OF PINE BARRENS. As dark, but as beautiful, as it sounds.
Books? A Million
(6/2/16)
So many good crime fiction writers in the DC/MD/VA triangle means too many good books to read.
Writing Like Django
(5/5/16)
All about my attempts to put words to Django Reinhardt’s music. So, that didn’t work.
The Power of Negative Thinking
(4/7/16)
I wrote this in response to the way writers bemoan everything online about everything ever.
Four Ways to Find Critique Partners
(3/10/16)
I was asked to write a column about finding people to review your work. I came up with four ways.
Review of Blowin’ Up: Rap Dreams in South Central
(3/7/16)
I reviewed this book about Project Blowed and freestyle rap. Good book, but had a glaring omission regarding female rappers.
Valentine’s Day Q&A
(2/11/16)
My annual advice column for the lovelorn. And the forlorn. Just lornly people, in general.
Tough Research
(1/14/16)
All about my next book. And all about that bass! But mainly the next book.
Rules of Enragement
(12/17/15)
I wrote this column about people who take grammar too seriously. You’ll probably hate it.
9 Writerly Gifts
(11/19/15)
My annual holiday gift-giving column! Gifts writers should both give and receive.
Managing As Editor
(10/22/15)
All about why I decided to become Managing Editor of The Thrill Begins. And, yes, mainly for the title “Managing Editor.” Bad-Ass.
5 Ways to Not Suck at Readings
(9/24/15)
Mainly drugs and alcohol.
Naming Names
(8/27/15)
I wrote this column about writers selling out for marketing, and also nudity.
Alan Cheuse: A Reflection
(7/30/15)
This column is about one of my old writing professors (and NPR Books reviewer), Alan Cheuse, who was involved in a terrible car accident.
An American Writer
(7/2/15)
I wrote this about one of my favorite writers, James Baldwin, and what it means to be an American writer. Because the 4th was just around the corner and fireworks and stuff.
Marketing Mailbag
(6/4/15)
I discussed everything I know about marketing in this mailbag. Worked out to four questions.
A Baltimore Story
I wrote this about Baltimore, writing, the Freddie Gray incident, and how I “used” to be creepy.
Rappers Rewrite
(4/9/15)
I wrote this about using the current movement in rap music, and how it relates to writing. No slang added.
On Violence
(3/12/15)
I wrote this about using violence in literature, and also how insanely bloodthirsty Flannery O’Connor truly was.
Valentine’s Day Advice
(2/11/15)
My advice to writers and readers on Valentine’s Day!
Artistic Worth
(1/14/15)
Here’s a column I wrote about judging artistic success. And also Toto’s Africa.
Rookie Mistakes
(12/17/14)
I wrote this column after my debut novel had been out for a year, summarizing what I learned. Contains a cruel fishing story.
Recommended Thrillers
(11/19/14)
Here’s a column I wrote for the Independent listing my four favorite thrillers of 2014. None of the writers I recommended can do anything for me, so it was very altruistic. Felt weird.
How Billie Holiday Sang Me Out of a Slump
(10/22/14)
I wrote this column about Billie Holiday, L’Orange, first books and first loves. Somehow that all ties together in this essay.
The Neverending Story
(9/25/14)
Here’s a column I wrote on drafts. Not sports or vent-related.
Review The Empty Quarter
(9/19/14)
Here’s a review I wrote of David L. Robbins‘ military thriller, THE EMPTY QUARTER, for the Washington Independent Review of Books.
Monster Story
(5/7/15)
s’ Ink
(8/27/14)
I wrote a column for the Washington Independent Review of Books called Monsters’ Ink (cute title, right?) about whether you can like an artist’s work if the artist is morally reprehensible. Or, more to the point, Woody Allen.
First Time’s the Charm
(7/30/14)
Here’s a piece that recaps my first experience at ThrillerFest, the annual convention for the International Thriller Writers.
To Be Honest
(7/2/14)
Here’s a piece I wrote for the Washington Independent Review of Books about why men suck and, also, artistic representation. I know, weird, right?
Review No-Accounts, By Tom Glenn
(6/6/14)
I don’t write a lot of book reviews, but here’s one I did for the Independet. The novel deals with the AIDS crisis in DC in the 1980s. Beautiful and sad.
Off-Limits?
(6/4/14)
Here’s a column I wrote for the Indepdent and swearing and sex in writing. Contains no swearing or sex.
You’re Going to Suck at Parties
(5/2/14)
I had the honor of giving a speech to the graduates of Marymount University’s (my Masters alma mater) English department! I guess the other guy canceled! Anyway, and in all seriousness, it was a huge honor. Here’s my advice to them.
Laura Lippman and the Great Debate
(4/9/14)
My first piece as an official contributor to the Washington Independent Review of Books, which served as a response to Laura Lippman’s thoughts on self-publishing.
In Defense of Pop Fiction
(2/14/14)
I wrote this for the Washington Independent Review of Books, one of my favorite sites. It’s about how I came to writing thrillers, and why thrillers don’t suck.
