PinnedMy Once and Future Life As a (One-Night) Rock StarForty-seven years ago, at the age of 17, I was a rock star for one epic show on a hot summer night.May 23, 2022May 23, 2022
Published inEllemenoMy Dad Didn’t Love Hockey, But He Must Have Loved MeMy late father, Thomas A. Gruley, would have turned 93 today. To celebrate his memory, I’m going to lace on my skates and play hockey.Feb 2310Feb 2310
My First Book Left Out the Best PartLooking back, I can’t believe I didn’t write about the hockey games. I mean, really, what the hell was I thinking?Nov 25, 2023Nov 25, 2023
My Dad and Tony BennettMany years ago, my brother Mike took our father to see Tony Bennett at the Fox Theater in downtown Detroit. It was a big night for Dad, who…Jul 28, 2023Jul 28, 2023
It Makes Me MeOn his excellent STORY CLUB Substack, the writer George Saunders asked subscribers to describe themselves as writers in 150 words or so…Jun 29, 20231Jun 29, 20231
The Foursome in Front of UsFifty years ago this month, I played golf with three buddies at the Rouge Park course in Detroit. Gene Damico, Dan Shaw, Gordie Roberts and…Jun 4, 2021Jun 4, 2021
The Happiest Person I Ever MetGary Greff builds giant roadside sculptures on the undulating plains of southwestern North Dakota. Twenty years ago today, my story about…Apr 26, 2019Apr 26, 2019
Is Taking a Writing Sabbatical Worth the Time Away?To write my fifth novel, I took a short leave from my day job. This is what it was like.Nov 27, 2018Nov 27, 2018