Mike Bogue's Blog

Paul McCartney called the Beach Boys’ “God Only Knows” the “perfect pop song.” But its creator had a less than perfect pop life. If you’re a fan, you know about Brian Wilson’s bouts with drugs and mental illness.

A bona fide genius, but . . .

He was an amazing talent, yes, but a tragic one. His “I Guess I Just Wasn’t Made for These Times” has never sounded more bittersweet than upon his recent passing.

Fortunately, Brian’s musical reputation has remained untarnished for over six...

Do you live next door to a devil? According to many Facebook political posts, you might.

Most of my Facebook friends avoid politics, while others post their views in moderation. However, some blatantly demonize those on the other side of the political divide.

Eating babies for breakfast

For example, one left-leaning Facebook friend posted the Republican Party champions racism and rape. Similarly, one right-leaning Facebook friend posted a meme that equates the Democratic Party to Na...

Photo by Yousef Espanioly on Unsplash

Multiple choice: When is a free speculative fiction short story worth your time?

When others sing its praises.When it plugs into timeless themes.When it makes you rich.

Answer: A, B, and C!

When others sing its praises.

Kevin Miller, an author and developmental editor for 25 years whose books include the best-selling Up the Creek!, said this about my short story “Mrs. Finney’s Special Vine”:

“Great story! Lots of points of connec...

When I called the vet’s office after my work shift in 1985, I hadn’t expected heartache.   

“I’m sorry,” the vet’s receptionist said, “but Newt didn’t wake up after the operation.”

Newt had been my pet for over fourteen years. Just a cat.

I was twenty-nine, and though I’d known Newt wouldn’t live forever, I hadn’t expected him to die like this. The operation was supposed to have been routine. But given Newt’s age, he already had one paw in the grave.

Sharing pet loss with ...

by Mike Bogue

You’re at work and a bright light from a faraway nuclear explosion flashes through your office. What now?

That depends in large part upon your preparations before, during, and after the event—in other words, your objective planning. The internet overflows with such information.

But nuke sites rarely broach another kind of important preparation—subjective planning. Such personal prep work is just as important as external prep like stockpiling food and water...

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