Author: Ron Rozelle

Forty-five years ago today I raised my hand with a roomful of other young fellows in Dallas and recited an oath that delivered us into the United States Army.  Later that afternoon I settled into the first airliner seat I’d ever been in and clutched a paperback novel I’d just bought in the airport gift … Continue reading When a story is more than just a story

  Well, you might have heard on the news or read in the paper a few years ago that they’ve found King Richard the Third. I don’t know about you, but I was getting awfully worried.  After all, he’d been missing for over 500 years.  And they hadn’t even put out an Amber alert. It … Continue reading There was a crooked king who had a crooked back

Let me tell you about a love affair, other than the much more important one with my wife, that I’ve been involved in for a long time. And it began with a blind date. When I was a young teacher I did a favor for a colleague, who offered to reciprocate with a nice dinner … Continue reading The night the fat lady finally sang for me

Every year about this time a few lyrics of a song wander through my mind: “Firecrackers poppin’, lighting up the sky; hail to the flag, it’s the Fourth of July.” It’s from an old record album I bought in the PX of the army base I was stationed at in Illesheim, Germany in 1973.  The … Continue reading As days go, this is a special one

There are roads, and there are roads.  And then there is THE road. It’s a different road for every traveler, of course. At least for those who are able to appreciate the journey as much as the destination. I used to think my own favorite road should be one that would impress other people, a … Continue reading Take me home, country road

I just spent three good days leading a writing workshop in Brenham, Texas in the pleasant company of an interested, interesting and talented group of folks. Most  of them had a unique story they want to tell, and I hope our total of sixteen hours spent sitting around a big table looking at ways to … Continue reading When wordsmithing, two heads (or ten) might be better than one

So, are you up to participating in a couple of experiments? I have my students at writing conferences do these to improve their memory and attention to detail, essential tools for writers. And even if you have no intention of taking a stab at writing, they might just improve yours, too. Who couldn’t do with … Continue reading The devil’s not the only thing in the details

  HOUSTON CHRONICLE  /  GRAY MATTERS Posted June 7, 2017  10:48 AM   (Photo: Carlos Antonio Rios, Chronicle Staff) We know Sam Houston owned slaves. A group called Texas Antifa started a social media campaign to have the statue of him in Hermann Park removed as a result. It’s easy to take down a statue. … Continue reading Forgive a bit of ranting, if you please

Let’s start with a riddle. Read the following poem and see if you know what the poet is talking about (or, in this case, talking to). Don’t be put off by the fact that it’s a poem. It’s all of 32 words long, so it’s not like I’m asking you to read the Odyssey. “White … Continue reading Things of beauty seldom appreciated

  This August 2nd will mark the 45th anniversary of my raising my right hand and taking the oath that delivered me into the United States Army.  Which means if I’d chosen to make the service my career I could have retired.  Twice. If I’d stayed in the employ of Uncle Sam I don’t know … Continue reading The end of a very pleasant journey