The stuff I write

A couple of readers in the comments asked where other things I write might be found.

Most of my columns published in The Fincastle Herald or sister publications are not online. These published pieces read more like what you're reading in my blog (and sometimes a blog entry serves as a first draft). I write a lifestyle column about, well, life. I write about my wild animals and things that are happening. It is always upbeat, unlike my blog, because I don't get too personal it in or discuss my health issues.

This week I wrote about voting, for example, and urged everyone to vote regardless of party. I also explained one of the Virginia Constitution amendments because it is unclear (Not the marriage one, the third one. It has to do with superfund clean-up sites, only you would never know that if I hadn't told you). But that column will not be online.

I cover the government for the newspaper and write features. This is boring reading unless you live here. I have written for other publications too and I put a few of the more interesting articles on my sidebar for anyone who is interested.

I also write book reviews for The Roanoke Times. Unbenownst to me, one of these has found its way to other places. This recent review of a Sarah Strohmeyer's "The Cinderella Pact" has been picked up by at least two radio stations. You can read the review online here and here. (It's the same in both places.) I had no idea this had happened until I did a search on myself to see what else I might link to for this blog post.

I hope I wasn't ridiculed on the air, but otherwise I think that's kind of cool.

You can find the articles I wrote for The Herald in this week's paper here:

Speed limit on US 460 could go from 55 mph to 60 mph, back to 55, then to 60, back to 55
Supervisors don't like the idea

Supervisors want to take TNDs, PUDs out of zoning ordinance
Two of the county's most controversial land used districts could be taken off the table after public hearings this month.

Cauley asks council to pursue Troutville library after she steps down
Judith Cauley, one of two council members of the Troutville Town Council who has served more than two terms, is resigning effective January 1. She made the announcement during council's regular monthly meeting on October 18.

As you can see, they are just local government news stories. But I really like writing them.