Begun as a means of expanding potential readership for the novel-in-progress And Eve Said Yes, the blog The Pebble soon became one of the most-followed series on the online site Scriggler. An eclectic blend of different genres-reviews, humor, politics, current-event commentary, fiction, poetry, memoir, excerpts, opinion, short stories, satire-the series offered the reader a wide array of choice in taste and perspective. Virtually a little something for everyone as well as a fuller acquaintance with the author and his work. The Pebble: Life, Love, Politics and Geezer Wisdom is comprised of those online posts gathered together in one collection. Here the reader will meet some colorful characters such as the Wendy's breakfast club with the Sage of Johnson County, Clarence D., holding forth on the state of the world. Or some poignant memories of rural America and its inhabitants following World War II. There's award-winning poetry like the tribute to a father titled "Rain" and short stories that garnered popular acclaim including the indelibly brutal "The Snow Field." Current events are also addressed such as the Ferguson shooting, Nazi protests, the gay life and the decline of religiosity in America, but all treated from a fresh point of view often at variance with the popular mainstream. Of course, politicians are not to be overlooked here, a favorite target always for the satirical barb. And for the aspiring writer, a good bit of advice and wisdom is there for the taking along the way. Educational as well as entertaining, The Pebble: Life, Love, Politics and Geezer Wisdom is an excellent choice for the bedside table or the beach.
Born and raised on a Kansas farm, Mark Scheel has been a laborer, construction worker, topographic survey assistant, laundryman, Red Cross field representative, disaster relief worker, college English instructor, retail clerk, library information specialist, editor, poet and writer. During the Vietnam War he served overseas as an assistant field director with the Red Cross in Vietnam, Thailand, West Germany and England. His writing has appeared in numerous periodicals and his 1997 book, A Backward View: Stories and Poems, was chosen for the J. Donald Coffin Memorial Book Award.
