Turning Grief into Action

Last spring, I heard a young friend died from a heroin overdose. It shook me up and opened my eyes to the problem that was all around me -- I just didn't know about it. Dylan's death caused me to reach out and learn more. I became involved with the SEMO Anti-Heroin group, which works to educate people in our small town about the dangers of heroin, methamphetamine, and other drugs. The group was started by Darla Carey, a woman who lost her own two daughters to heroin.

One thing I do for the group is keep track of the names for the Southeast Missouri heroin memorial quilt. There are about 950 names on the quilt -- all people who died due to heroin or other opiate/opioids.

For Coffin Hop this year, I wrote Riding the Black Horse, a story about the horrors of heroin...and what it does to a young woman and her family. I hope you'll take the time to read it.

Although it was tragedy that brought me to the group, I am thankful. Hopefully my involvement will help some kids make the decision NOT to take that first step on the pathway to death.


It's Thankful Thursday? What are you thankful for? Join the blog hop.

#CoffinHop - A Halloween Tradition

This year I am participating in Coffin Hop by sharing a short story on our Dream Dragon Press website. The story is entitled "Riding the Black Horse" and it inspired by the issue of heroin addiction that has been killing off people in the small towns that surround us. I hope you'll stop by and read the story. The first part is available now. I will share the story in 4 parts, with the final part posted on 10/30.

We are also giving away a signed copy of Bones of the Woods, as well as a signed copy of our upcoming short story collection Seeds of Love and Anguish. We are still working on the cover for Seeds of Love and Anguish. Stay posted.