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I used to think that I lived two different lives – law professor and lawyer by day, writer by night. I eventually came to realize that no matter the hour of the day, my passion is hearing and telling stories.
I was very fortunate to become involved in the Capital Jury Project early in my law teaching career. As part of the Project, we interviewed thousands of everyday citizens who as jurors were required to decide whether to impose a sentence of death on someone they had just convicted of murder. I was fascinated to hear their stories -- what had moved them, what had repulsed them, what had angered them as they wrestled with whether to give the defendant a life or death sentence. Through the jurors, I also became aware that the best lawyers were the best storytellers. As I often tell my students, if I were on trial for my life, I’d choose Shakespeare over Blackstone as my lawyer every time.
I eventually told the jurors’ stories in a non-fiction book, A LIFE AND DEATH DECISION: A JURY WEIGHS THE DEATH PENALTY (St. Martin’s Griffin). Because of the book, I now frequently work with capital defense lawyers on how to most effectively tell their client’s life story to the jury in a way that avoids a death sentence. This work is immensely satisfying but also emotionally trying.
Turned out the most effective way to deal with stress was to read and write fiction far removed from my life in the law. I especially love reading books that make me laugh and forget life’s worries, and I found the same to be true with my fiction writing. My children’s book, CUT DOWN TO SIZE AT HIGH NOON: A MATH ADVENTURE (Charlesbridge/Scholastic) tells the story of a showdown between two barbers in the Old West. My favorite comment on Amazon describes it as “one of the most silliest books that I have ever read … that kids will just enjoy.” Exactly, and why it was so fun to write.
I worked on my upcoming debut novel, WORDSWORTH IN BOGOTÁ (Black Rose Writing), over a period of years. It took awhile in part because my job and life were so busy, but also because I savored every minute of writing the story. On some level I did not want the story to end because I didn’t want to leave my new friends. You can learn more about the book on the next pages and I hope the characters have an opportunity to become your friends as well.