Okay, so you found me out. Reading and writing are two of my biggest passions. There's something magical in the ability of words to create living images of things we have never seen. Our power to use words is what defines us as human, and it's a gift that I wish more people would nurture.
That doesn't mean my writing is just sugary narratives about majestic mountain peaks or fluffy vignettes about pathetically cute forest animals! I think that good writing tries to chart new ground. There are too many things that we refuse to discuss or that we avoid thinking about altogether; I feel that a major purpose of the literary writer is to break through these taboos and get the reader to think about aspects of life and human nature that would otherwise remain unexplored. Literature should be frightening, exhilarating, and liberating.
I guess this is my warning that if you read all the stuff around here, you may encounter "offensive" language, "questionable" themes, and so forth. You'll live. It's not my intention to offend anyone, but it's not my duty to avoid it, either.
This area changes a lot as I post new works or remove old ones, so feel free to bookmark this page (or the next one) and come back again later.
Most of all, have a good time reading this stuff and think for yourself! Questions, comments, feedback, etc., are always welcome! (hint, hint... mmeiss@indiana.edu)
