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I am ending the year strong and blowing the doors off of 2026
I started working on the collection of short stories that has come to be called The All-American Songbook in 2022. I wrote the first story within a few weeks and mapped out four more. I was in a groove.
But I heard someone say—a preacher, I think—that there is not much difference between a groove and a rut and I think, “If that ain’t the truth!”
I was grooving and then I was grinding and then griping and finally, procrastinating. I was in love with every story and excited when I completed one. But they were getting fewer and farther between.
I interrupted my groove to release one of my best-received books to date, the collection of poetry I named Word Warrior: killing them softly, one rhyme at a time.
In 2025, I got my groove back and cranked out four stories for the series:
Stealing the Groove with the Love Steel
But then, I broke in and stole the momentum with another work I am stoked about!
!
Moonshine Love: written under the influence is available everywhere and just in time for Valentine’s Day. Get your copy today! Options abound, including…
Dead or Gone to Dallas?
I am currently working on Dead or Gone to Dallas, a song by Steve Earle, which I am using to explore the lore and legend of Texas oilmen. It’s a doozy. I plan to offer it free via this very Substack account to my paid subscribers, and a taste of it to everyone. Stand by.
Santa’s got a brand new book in his bag, so put it on your wish list!
I will release the full book, The Great American Storybook: Stories Inspired by the Songs that Made America, in time for Christmas this year, if it hair-lips every cow in Texas!
So, tell me what you’re up to in 2026. Let’s journey together. The comments are open.
Godspeed!
–Gene “The JourneyMan”
