Whether I'm recalling a Navy deployment, reflecting on history, arguing an opinion, crafting a short story, or sharing a bit of humor, I've always been fascinated by the power of words to inform, entertain, persuade, and preserve memories.
 
This section brings together much of my nonfiction and creative work. Some articles began as newspaper columns or magazine pieces. Others grew out of personal experiences, observations, or simply the curiosity to explore a subject in greater depth. You'll also find memoirs, essays on writing, by-line blogs, short stories, sports writing, technology tips, humor, and the occasional satirical look at life.
 
Although the subjects vary widely, they all share a common purpose: to tell a good story, explain an idea clearly, or perhaps encourage readers to see a familiar subject from a different perspective.
 
I hope you'll browse, linger, and discover something that interests you. If one article leads you to another, then this page has accomplished exactly what it was designed to do.
 
My writing reflects more than six decades of experiences as a sailor, teacher, editor, traveler, husband, and lifelong student of history and human nature. If those experiences resonate with you, then we've already found common ground.

The Writing dropdown menu has links to six categories of my writing examples. New writers may be interested in the collection on the About Writing link (the first choice on the dropdown menu). I've also included some shortstories with a twist. 

Happy reading!
 
— Curtis Jerry Smothers