Pat Scheckel
I can't look any more serious than this. Neither can Lulu.
I'm working on a short story collection.
I have a completed novel manuscript,This Time We Win, a historical fantasy about a conspiracy to reverse the outcome of the Civil War.
Can I borrow your chapstick? I left mine on the ferry to Hvar.
PUblished work
Father's Day
What does it mean to be a good father? Father's Day was published in the June 2025 issue of Creative Wisconsin
WOrkshops I've Attended
Novel Book Camp
The Novel Book Camp is a trip. I went through the Book Coach track in 2024. I submitted the manuscript for This Time We Win and received detailed feedback. The working sessions on Scene and Setting, and Character Development were helpful. The best part was spending a week with 30+ interesting and insightful writers. And not drowning in Lake Michigan, because that can happen.
Wisconsin Writers Association
The WWA is a tremendous community. Great people and great results. I participated in the Strictly Fiction critique groups with Lisa Lickel in 2024 and Laurie Scheer in 2025.
Storm Writing School
Tim Storm runs an outstanding Writing Craft Club. He takes a deep dive on a different topic each month. Some of the topics include Escalation, Antagonists, Setting, and Emotional Scenes.
Madison Writer's Studio
I participated in the Fourth Lake Writing Retreat in 2022 and 2023. The first year, I got a lot out of it because it was my first formal writing instruction in a long time.