A New Children’s Book

How the Chimney Sweep Got His Luck

A whimsical tale of dragons, fireplaces, and the surprising source of good fortune.

Coming Soon!

Magical Stories

Books that spark imaginations and cozy bedtime adventures for children of all ages.

Timeless Lessons

Heartwarming stories that teach children timeless lessons to carry with them forever.

For Little Readers

Beautifully illustrated books perfect for story time together with the entire family.

Book Snippet

“Long ago, chimney sweeps very rarely worked on chimneys. They were dragon doctors. As people increased in number in the land, the dragons decreased, until over time there wasn’t enough dragon work and the sweeps took to chimney work nearly exclusively.”

Once upon a time...

Meet the Author

I was kicked out of prep school but finished in public high school. After graduation I bummed around skiing when I could and wandering. I lived an entire year, including 5 months on Maui, on $250. Got married at 19 after knowing my girl about 5 weeks. I met her in Texas where I lived on a commune near Nacogdoches. We’ve married each other 3 times but have never been separated or divorced.

I’ve eaten bugs. Taught creative survival. I delivered my youngest child in our cabin under the eyes of a midwife. We have 3 children and nine grandchildren. One of our children and one grandchild died in the same year. I have been undone by the deepest grief and held together by profound joy. Most of my writing is informed by joy and sorrow.

I started the chimney business in 1984 with $60. My business had two locations and a hearth store when I sold it in 2020. I served on national chimney association boards and international councils providing technical training in all aspects of combustion, safety, environmental, and business expertise. In 2021 I was presented the prestigious President’s Award from the National Chimney Sweep Guild, for service to the industry.

My success has been in creating a stable, productive family all of whom freely express love to one another. I’m lucky to have the energy and health to stand on the high places.

Vocationally I am a chimney sweep. Beyond that I’m just a man.

I believe in the magic of fire.
I dislike school, but I love learning.
I have climbed frozen waterfalls and been 2000’ off the ground on rock faces.
I get sarcastic, cynical, and make humorous (to me), cutting comments if I’m bored.
I spend time outside, mountain biking, hiking, climbing, skiing, and a bit of travel.
I have climbed in many places including Denali in Alaska, Pik Lenin in Kyrgyzstan, Mount Ararat in Turkey, Monte Rosa in the Alps, and many smaller peaks in the USA and California where I live.
I’m best at seeing things from odd vantage points and finding creative ways to articulate ideas.
I’m usually coloring outside of the lines. When a group is on unfamiliar ground that’s where I shine.
I’m not disorganized. However, I use organization as a platform to launch into uncharted territory rather than as an arrival point.
Do not ask me to manage money.
If I could be anything I would be a story teller who would open new perceptions for people.