Like many people my age, I was born a long time ago. More specifically, Oct. 22, 1954, in Oklahoma City. Although I share the same initials as another well-known personage, I was not born away in a manger.

Despite receiving the finest education my home state had to offer, I learned to read and write pretty well. I attended (and eventually graduated from) college with a degree in English. I later earned a degree in photojournalism.

I spent 10 years in daily journalism but when I realized that the only way to make money in newspapers is to own one, I jumped ship. Since then I’ve worked in a variety of writing and editing positions, including blogger, weekly columnist for two newspapers, a stint at a dot-com, curriculum producer, head writer at a software startup, and editor at two Texas state agencies. I’ve even written copy for a guy who sold tombstones online.

I’m married to Liz Carmack, I live in Austin,Texas, and I blog for Manpacks.com.

Frequently asked questions

What are your rates?

The quick answer is, it depends. I can charge by the word, by the job, or by the hour. I work with the client to determine how they can get the most bang for their buck.

Do you do editing?

Yes, I do. Here again, my rates are negotiable and competitive.

What do you consider your strong points?

I write copy that people will actually read. Anyone (almost) can string together a grammatically correct sentence; the question is, who wants to read it? I can take the driest and most arcane subject matter and render it accurately, succinctly and engagingly. I also pride myself in writing about people in a way that is both insightful and revealing.

I’m quick witted and funny. If I had a dollar for every time I’d made someone spew beer through their nose, I wouldn’t be writing this; I could afford to hire J.K. Rowling to do it for me.

I’m curious. I love to learn, and I love to share what I’ve learned.

I have a passion for and an encyclopedic knowledge of rock music. Modern Guitars Magazine asked me to be a correspondent after I brought to their attention an error about Jimi Hendrix on their website. I’m also a huge reggae fan.

Beatles or Stones?

Beatles – no contest.

I’m looking for someone who’s not all work and no play; do you have any other interests?

Indeed I do. As hinted at above, I love music. Rock is my first love, followed closely by roots reggae. I also like to read almost anything: literature, cop novels, non-fiction, history, cereal boxes – you name it, I’ll read it.

I’m addicted to espresso. I have a hot-rodded Rancilio Silvia espresso machine and a Rancilio Rocky grinder.

I also like camping and all sorts of outdoor activities. I’m also interested in physical fitness, health and wellness. And I’m Buddhist.