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I am a 67-year-old retired Professor of Classics, and Physician (practiced internal medicine for a quarter-century in Charleston, SC); I’ve enjoyed the Mother Tongue ever since learning it, especially writing it, ever since I learned how to do that. This, however, is my first published fiction.

I have been married for forty years; we have four children. We live in the mountains of Western NC in the summer, in coastal SC during the winter.

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Thank you Paul for answering a few question for us! Please tell us about your latest project.

That would be the sequel to Beasts Of Burden. Virtually all of it came along with the first book, but a bit disordered. That’s why I feel a little like a painter with palette already prepared. Revising has been a trial and a joy. There is a little more material, more intricacy to the story, more dramatic excitement, more philosophical weight, for the reader who wishes to follow that. The title is Signals from a Lampless Beacon: Their Burdens lifted. Hopefully out by April.

How has your education, profession or background helped in your writing?

A gracious reader says: “You have woven together your classical and medical training beautifully; the result enriches your characters and your story.”

What kind of other works have you published?

Articles in both professional and learned journals.

What will your next project be?

After completion of this Trilogy, it will likely be a novel, or possibly a narrated drama, probably called Courtledge. This word is the southwestern British version of “curtilage,” a small plot of ground set aside to surround a house. It will be a good story, or narrated play, but will be an allegory of the way we embattle our souls.

Who inspires you on a personal or business level?

William Shawn, former editor of “The New Yorker,” or, my idea of him, which is based on what his writers, mostly, and colleagues have said about him. Ironic that he had died before I had ever heard of him (When you’re immersed in medicine, you normally must give up much besides).

What type of work is the most rewarding or satisfying to you?

Work that nobody else does. Or not in just the same way, like writing, painting, gardening, designing a challenging cistern-system against drought. The carpentry, masonry, electrical wiring, plumbing that I do partly from necessity, partly out of interest, are nevertheless usual. The results would always be nearly the same. You haven’t made any mark. (But you may be able to have plenty of hot water!)

How did you get started as a writer?

I was writing a short story for school. I told my parents I wanted to write a book. My stepfather remarked that it would be best to wait until I had had experiences I could write about. So here I am.

What does a typical workday look like for you?

‘Café au lit’ before dawn; walk the dog, Hannah; chores (see above); workout, tailored to age; lunch on the deck; writing; Hanna II; supper or dinner; news; watch Calleigh; lights out. Sounds like a full schedule; the truth is that between any two of the above may be inserted il dolce far’ niente.

Have you ever had a mentor, or someone who sparked your passion for writing?

When a freshman in college, my professor of English composition returned a paper with this note: “Not your best, but shows again your fine talent for writing.” That was the first I’d heard of it.

Who is your favorite writer/author?

This is not very hip, but, then…. It’s John Milton. I am sorry he was a Puritan.

Finally, a most important question: what was the last song you sang out loud when you were by yourself? :)

This is eminently hip, because it is the one from the late 1920’s: “Red-hot Mama”

Thank you Paul! Congratulations on your Signals from a Lampless Beacon Trilogy!