My name is Andrew.

I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to create a blog, but here it is – finally. I don’t say that because I expect anyone who may happen upon these words to think, “Well, it’s about time, Andrew! I’ve been dying to hear what you’ve got to say about (fill in the blank), but until now the things I’ve written have been imaginative works of fiction – plays, novels, and short stories. On this forum my plan is to write on any number of topics – movies and plays I’ve seen, books I’ve read, the visual arts, and my aspirations and progress on my own creative projects, but that may vary. We’re living in some fairly tumultuous times, and I may go off on a tangent or two now and then.

Other than living in Germany toward the end of the Cold War (during a four year stint in the Army) I’ve proudly spent most of my life in and around Detroit, Michigan. I went to both Macomb Community College and Wayne State University on the GI Bill and eventually attained a Bachelor’s Degree in English. My play, “Stop Up Your Ears!” won the Heck-Rabi Award for playwriting, and another play, “Ask Me! Tell Me! was professionally produced at the Ringwald Theater’s Gay Play Series in Ferndale, Michigan and the Hudson Theater’s Play by Play Festival in Hudson New York. “Better Boxed and Forgotten” is my first novel. I’m working on my second novel which picks up where the first one left off, but I’ll admit… it’s been a difficult journey. To those of you who’ve been anxiously awaiting Book II, please be patient! I’m working hard! I promise!

Some personal things:

I’ve been a huge David Bowie fan since I was ten years old. I was devastated when he died on January 10th, 2016. He was a brilliant, uncompromising, and creative tour de force! If you’re not familiar with his work then I’d encourage you to dive into his catalogue of almost thirty studio produced albums and listen to more than just his 8 or so radio hits!

I often go to the movies by myself – mostly matinees when the the theater is virtually empty. I guess I enjoy being alone with the movie. I’ll see any type of movie except the slasher genre. My theories on what makes a great movie are these: if it’s well directed, well acted, and most importantly, if the screenplay is great, then chances are the movie will be great too no matter the genre. Screenplays are key! Writing is everything! Unfortunately, not many movies have these three key ingredients and fall far short on the greatness scale. For brevity’s sake here are a few of my favorites: “Chinatown,” “Manhattan,” “The Kids are Alright,” and “The Woman in Black.” My guilty pleasure is the Gothic horror genre. I especially love a good ghost story!

I love Michigan – especially in the summertime. My wife and I have had people visit from many different places, and they’ve all been blown away by the Great Lakes – especially Lake Michigan. Our beaches rival the best beaches in the world; indeed, the beaches in the Sleeping Bear Dunes area of the north-west lower peninsula have been voted among the best in the world. And here’s another bonus: when you swim in the Great Lakes, you’re still on top of the food chain. I’ve always considered that a rather important place to be! You cannot say that when you take a dip in the ocean!

I hope you enjoy my blog. If you feel inclined, drop me a note, or feel free to comment on my posts. I’d love to hear from you.

Andrew Lark