Some stories refuse to let go ❤️ Here’s the cover of When The World Was Happy 🦋 Soon… #WhenTheWorldWasHappy #CoverReveal #NewBook

My greatest asset as a writer & as an artist & as a man was that I was not afraid to fail since failure was all I knew. That made me fierce & fearless & stubborn & determined to succeed. I still remember holding that first book, boy tears running down my face.

The greatest decision I ever made was to become a writer. I was once a Catholic Priest. I left the priesthood & at the age of 30, I began my journey to become a writer. I had no money but I had a heart that was bursting with words & those words made me fearless.

The journey from my iMac to bookstores is long. My editor at Simon & Schuster and I are making final edits of my new YA novel: WHEN THE WORLD WAS HAPPY. It’s the most important novel I’ve ever written. Stay tuned for details. I’m so grateful to have such amazing readers.

Follow me on Bluesky. @borderpoet.bsky.social

Finished writing my new young adult novel. Writing. gets easier after wrestling with words for more than four decades. But easier doesn’t mean easy. Writing reminds me of the many ways I’ve failed. I have, however, learned how to love. That matters.

I haven’t posted here for a long time. What the F!!! Is Donald Trump doing in my home page. And who are people who are reposting his nonsense? Trump followers, I invite you to leave my page.

Saturday, I’m giving a reading in my new gallery. Proud of an awesome space, a perfect venue for readings and performances. Check out my latest paintings. 7:00. Q&A & Reception afterwards. Let’s celebrate!

Today I turn 70! Anybody want to dance? Let’s all say LOVE together.

Tomorrow I will be 70! Bring it on!

In 3 days, I will leave the 60th decade of my life & slouch toward the 70th decade of breathing, crying & laughing on this lovely earth. I just survived my 2nd bout of THE COVID. Still writing, still painting, still pissing off those on the right.

This is my favorite feel good fun song that I love to hear over and over during Pride month. Happy Pride! Dance! Dance! I love you all! Village People - YMCA OFFICIAL Music Video 1978 youtu.be/CS9OO0S5w2k?si=08nk… via @YouTube

The Wittliff has generously offered to become the guardian of my literary legacy. Born out of passion and discipline and struggle, my life’s work has come to rest in the heart of Texas. Exile has given way to belonging.

I’m working on a new novel. & everyone asks, it’s the third Ari & Dante book! Yes?! & I say NO. & then I hear a sigh of “who cares” indifference. So maybe I shouldn’t say I’m working on a new novel. But, hey! I’m working on a new novel. Chuy sends love

I am so proud to be a part of this collaborative effort

If you haven’t caught the Ari & Dante movie, you might want to take a trip to Mesilla, NM Thursday evening if you live in the area. mesillavalleyfilm.org/

There is a reason why this man is my hero. Just read:

Today is STAY SWEET DAY. If you stay sweet, people and dogs will want to kiss you & you will attract hummingbirds. So HAPPY STAY SWEET DAY & stay sweet.

Looking forward to this!