A brief update on writing my fifth book, Barons, Brewers, and Bootleggers: A Social History of Beer in Missouri.
Continue reading “Writer’s Notebook: December 2024”Writer’s Notebook: December 2024
Ten Years Later on the KC Ale Trail
Reflections on writing and publishing KC Ale Trail a decade ago.
Continue reading “Ten Years Later on the KC Ale Trail”Gloves and Glory: The Life of Triple Crown Champion Henry Armstrong and the Mystery of Henry Armstrong Beer
A literary reading and Vine Street Brewing beer release event highlighting St. Louis boxer Henry Armstrong
Continue reading “Gloves and Glory: The Life of Triple Crown Champion Henry Armstrong and the Mystery of Henry Armstrong Beer”Catching the Spirit, Wrangling Intent
Wrangling creative intent: How does preparation not get in the way of inspiration, instinct, and improvisation?
Talented and versatile musician Marco Pascolini observed how he and I have been working as creatives for quite some time. We only had a few minutes to chat between sips of beer. This afternoon Marco sat in and played steel guitar with the band Gullywasher at Stockyards Brewing’s Sunday Service. We spoke about the nature of producing and performing creative work so it feels fresh and inspired.
Continue reading “Catching the Spirit, Wrangling Intent”Bob Fitzpatrick Shares Brewery History About Goetz Brewing and a Murder in St. Joseph
St. Joseph brewery historian Bob Fitzpatrick and I met in May of 2024 to chat about Goetz Brewing, brewery history, and a murder. While savoring beers at River Bluff Brewing, Bob shared a wealth of knowledge about the city’s brewery history. His notes, newspaper clippings, and insight guided me as I shaped the focus of several chapters in Barons, Brewers, and Bootleggers: A Social History of Beer in Missouri (University of Missouri Press, Fall 2025).
Continue reading “Bob Fitzpatrick Shares Brewery History About Goetz Brewing and a Murder in St. Joseph”