Category: Life

1980's, Beyond What We Know, Books, Childhood Memories, Dreams, Entertainment, Life, Music

Beyond What We Know – One Week Away!

We are now officially one week away from the release of my new 232-page book, “Beyond What We Know!” It’s been such an amazing journey getting here and I’m so excited to finally be able to share this story with you.

Here are some things to prepare you for the story of Mike Collins and Chris Steele:

Trailer 1: The first trailer for the book:

Synopsis:

Riddled with guilt over the death of his father, high school graduate Mike Collins spends his last summer at home disquieted by thoughts of leaving behind his mother and first love as he prepares to depart for college. Unbeknownst to him, Mike will soon meet his musical hero, Chris Steele, whose perspective of life will teach him to believe in the possibility of second chances.

Filled with rich imagery from the 1980s, “Beyond What We Know” is a coming-of-age story exploring life’s obstacles, the music and the machinery, while illuminating the power of friendship with the metaphysical transcendence of the unknown with an ending you’ll never see coming.

Trailer 2: The second trailer for the book:

New Interview:

Read my latest interview for some behind the scenes info about Beyond What We Know.

Book Signing:

If you’re in the Easton, PA area, I’ll be doing a book signing event at the Southmont Plaza Barnes & Noble on Saturday, September 6. More info can be found here.

My first novel “Neapolitan Sky” with “Beyond What We Know

Goodreads:

Are you on Goodreads? If so, please add “Beyond What We Know” to your Want to Read list and give it a review.

Trailer 3: The third trailer for the book:

Pre-order Beyond What We Know:

You can pre-order the new book on Amazon here. Pre-order the new book on Barnes & Noble here.

Thanks to everyone for their support and encouragement during this project. The wait is almost over!

1980's, Beyond What We Know, Books, Childhood Memories, Entertainment, Life, Music

Beyond What We Know – NEW TRAILER

Happy Saturday, everyone! I’m excited to share a few updates with you about the new book. There’s a lot going on, so let’s get to it!

New Book Trailer!

First off is the third trailer for my new 232-page novel, “Beyond What We Know.” All three trailers tease at what you can expect as you read the story of Mike Collins. Please let me know what you think in the comments:

Book Signing Event

On Saturday, September 6th I’ll be at the Barnes & Noble Southmont Plaza in Easton, PA signing copies of the new book. I’ll be giving away bookmarks, 4×6 images of the book cover and stickers. You’ll also be able to do your own signing on an 11×17 poster of the cover. If you’re in the area, please stop by and say hello.

ARC Team Info

Interested in being on the Beyond What We Know ARC (Advance Reader Copy) Team? It’s easy. Click on this link and fill out the form for a chance to receive a free copy of the new book on your Kindle (or free Kindle reader app) in exchange for a review.

New Interview

I recently shared an interview I did on the new book for Medium. If you’re interested in learning more about the story, characters and the writing process then Click Here.

The book will be released on August 31st, 2025 but is available now for pre-order at both Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

1980's, Beyond What We Know, Books, Childhood Memories, Entertainment, Life, Music

ARC Team Sign-Up (Beyond What We Know)

The release of my new book, “Beyond What We Know” is less than 5 weeks away. Here’s a quick way on how you can become a part of the story:

Are you interested in being part of the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) team for “Beyond What We Know”? If you’re an avid reader who likes to review books and want to be in the mix to receive an advance copy in exchange for a review, fill out the form below. The official release date is August 31st, 2025.

ARC stands for “Advance Reader Copy” and is a common practice in the publishing world, where you receive a free copy of the new book in exchange for an honest review.

Before you fill out this form, please read the following carefully:

* ARC’s are not guaranteed and are limited to ten copies.

* To have a better chance at being selected for an ARC, please follow the instructions carefully.

* There is no financial compensation for reviews.

* You agree to read and review this book when it releases on August 31st (and are, of course, welcome to review prior to release date on Good Reads or social media – this would also be very much appreciated).

You will find out  by Wednesday, August 6th if you’ve been selected to receive a free copy.

Click here to learn more about the story.

Trailer #1

Trailer #2:

If you are selected, you will receive a free .epub version of “Beyond What We Know.” sent to you via Kindle. The Kindle app is available for free on your phone of computer, so no need to physically own a Kindle. To receive an ebook this way you will need (1) a valid Kindle email address and (2) to follow the instructions below very carefully.

If you’re interested, please fill out the form by Clicking Here!

1980's, Beyond What We Know, Books, Cars, Childhood Memories, Entertainment, Life

Sunday Funday

With the release of my new book, “Beyond What We Know” now only six weeks away, and the fact that it’s set in the 1980s, I thought it would be fun to share a few polls to see where everyone stands on things from the decade. Looking forward to reading your choices.

If you have other choices, let me know what they are in the comments below.

“Beyond What We Know” will be released on August 31st, 2025. You can pre-order it now on Amazon by Clicking Here.

Book Signing at Barnes & Noble in Easton, PA on September 6th. Read more here.

1980's, Beyond What We Know, Books, Cars, Childhood Memories, Life, Music

New Book Trailer – “Beyond What We Know”

We are now just seven weeks away from the release of my new book, “Beyond What We Know” and I’m so excited to share with you the brand new trailer for the 232-page story. I hope you enjoy it. Please be sure to like, comment and share.

Beyond What We Know is available now for pre-order on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Are you on GoodReads? Let’s connect, and add Beyond What We Know to your “Want To Read” list.

Follow my author pages on Facebook and Instagram and join the conversation!

Book Signing Event on Saturday, September 6th from 1-4 p.m. at Barnes & Noble Southmont Center
4445 Southmont Way – Easton, PA 18045

1980's, Beyond What We Know, Books, Childhood Memories, Entertainment, Life, Music

Book Signing Event – Beyond What We Know

It’s official! The first book signing event for “Beyond What We Know” has been confirmed – so save the date!!

On Saturday, September 6th I’ll be at the Barnes & Noble in the Southmont Center 4445 Southmont Way in Easton, PA from 1 – 4 p.m. to celebrate the release of the new book, sign copies, answer questions and more! More details to come in the days ahead but if you’re in the area, hope to see you there. The book officially releases on Sunday, August 31st.

Pre-order Beyond What We Know from Barnes & Noble by clicking here.

***

1980's, Beyond What We Know, Books, Childhood Memories, Dreams, Entertainment, Life, Music

‘Beyond What We Know’ – Paperback Edition Pre-Order
Pre Order “Beyond What We Know”

I’m so excited to share the news that the paperback version of my new 232-page novel, “Beyond What We Know,” is now available for pre-order on Amazon.

Click here to be taken to the pre-order page where you can find out all the details. The book officially arrives on August 31st.

Synopsis:

Riddled with guilt over the death of his father, high school graduate Mike Collins spends his last summer at home disquieted by thoughts of leaving behind his mother and first love as he prepares to depart for college. Unbeknownst to him, Mike will soon meet his musical hero, Chris Steele, whose perspective of life will teach him to believe in the possibility of second chances.

Filled with rich imagery from the 1980s, “Beyond What We Know” is a coming-of-age story exploring life’s obstacles, the music and the machinery, while illuminating the power of friendship with the metaphysical transcendence of the unknown.

Official Trailer:

Early reviews:

“Beyond What We Know” is the kind of story that hits both heart and memory. It’s grief, growth, and a second chance wrapped in 80s nostalgia and music. For fans
of coming-of-age stories with soul, this one’s calling.”

“A tender, nostalgic journey through grief, growth, and the unexpected ways we heal. Set against a vivid 1980s backdrop, this coming-of-age tale reminds us that even in our darkest moments, music, friendship, and second chances can light the way. A must read!”

1980's, Beyond What We Know, Books, Childhood Memories, Dreams, Entertainment, Life, Neapolitan Sky

Beyond What We Know

I am excited to announce that my new 232-page novel, “Beyond What We Know” is coming Summer 2025. It’s my first novel since 2018’s “Neapolitan Sky.” Check out the first cover reveal photo on the right.

The book has been a work in progress for nearly 7 years but some challenges, including a global pandemic, put things on the back burner, until now!

Here’s a synopsis for “Beyond What We Know”:

“Riddled with guilt over the death of his father, high school graduate Mike Collins spends his last summer at home disquieted by thoughts of leaving behind his mother and first love as he prepares to depart for college. Unbeknownst to him, Mike will soon meet his musical hero, Chris Steele, whose perspective of life will teach him to believe in the possibility of second chances.

Filled with rich imagery from the 1980s, “Beyond What We Know” is a coming-of-age story exploring life’s obstacles, the music and the machinery, while illuminating the power of friendship with the metaphysical transcendence of the unknown.”

Here is the official trailer for “Beyond What We Know”:

In the weeks ahead watch this space for more info about the new book, including the full cover reveal, behind the scenes stories about the book’s origin, giveaways and more. I’m also in the process of arranging book signing events, so hopefully I’ll see you out there.

I’m so excited about this book and can’t wait for you to check it out.

1980's, Books, Childhood Memories, Dreams, Life

Beyond What We Know – My New Novella

It’s hard to believe that it’s been 7 years since the release of my last book, “Neapolitan Sky,” but I’m happy to announce that my brand new novella, “Beyond What We Know,” is set for release this summer. I’ll be using my site to share updates along the way, including the cover reveal, a chapter or two, some behind the scenes stories, giveaways and more. I hope you’ll be along for the ride.

In the meantime, I’d like to share the trailer for the book and a synopsis of “Beyond What We Know.”

Beyond What We Know – Synopsis:

“Riddled with guilt over the death of his father, high school graduate Mike Collins spends his last summer at home disquieted by thoughts of leaving behind his mother and first love as he prepares to depart for college. Unbeknownst to him, Mike will soon meet his musical hero, Chris Steele, whose perspective of life will teach him to believe in the possibility of second chances.

Filled with rich imagery from the 1980s, “Beyond What We Know” is a coming-of-age story exploring life’s obstacles, the music and the machinery, while illuminating the power of friendship with the metaphysical transcendence of the unknown.”

Arriving Summer 2025

1980's, Childhood Memories, Entertainment, Life, Music, My Two Cents

Sunday Sermon

Politics aside, you want to know why this country is going down the tubes? It’s because of things like this news story. It’s only a matter of time before it’s eliminated completely. No outlet for kids to have creativity of any kind. No chance to express themselves as individuals or work together as one ensemble to create something magical that brings joy to people each Christmas and spring season.

https://www.lehighvalleynews.com/easton/easd-parents-students-teachers-speak-out-over-reduced-music-education-at-elementary-schools

I’m sure I’m not alone when I say this as a 55 year old man: being part of the music and choir program at school was the only thing that saved me. It’s why when my favorite teacher, the late Ed Milisits, retired after three decades at Easton Area High School and tried starting a community choir that nearly ALL of it was comprised of now middle-aged former alumni who felt so strongly about what they experienced years ago that they blocked off time in their busy adult schedules to come back and sing. A vast majority of them hadn’t sang like that since they graduated decades ago. What does that tell you?

To quote from Whitman (and Robin Williams’ performance in Dead Poet’s Society): “O me! O life!… of the questions of these recurring; of the endless trains of the faithless… of cities filled with the foolish; what good amid these, O me, O life?”

Answer: That you are here – that life exists, and identity; that the powerful play goes on and you may contribute a verse.

I’d love to hear your thoughts about this. Please feel free to leave a note in the comments section.