This site is for those interested in my writing: novels, short stories, poems, and works of non-fiction
Publications
WALKING ON NATHAN'S GRAVE: A Tale Traversing Heaven and Hell
Walking on Nathan’s Grave is a gripping literary novel that seamlessly blends psychological depth, crime fiction, and romance. Author R. Luce delivers an emotionally charged story of heartbreak, self-destruction, and redemption set against the backdrop of a century-old murder mystery
At forty, Rob Wilson’s life has unraveled. A devastating breakup sends him spiraling into a haze of alcohol, reckless encounters, and creative stagnation. Desperate for a fresh start, he leaves Chicago for the quiet of Emberland, Ohio, where he hopes to rebuild his life and his career as a writer.
When he meets Jake Davidson, a young and enigmatic police officer with a personal connection to a long-buried crime, Rob finds himself drawn into a haunting murder case from the 1870s—one that challenges his understanding of truth, justice, and his own resilience.
As Rob delves into the past and simultaneously becomes involved in Jake’s current criminal case, the lines between fact and fiction blur, and Rob’s growing relationship with Jake forces him to confront his fears of intimacy and trust.
With evocative prose and a suspenseful narrative, Walking on Nathan’s Grave is a compelling story of loss, second chances, and the ghosts both real and metaphorical that refuse to be forgotten.
FINALIST FOR THE STORY TRADE AWARD FOR LGBTQ FICTION!
WINNER 2025 NYC BIG BOOK AWARD FOR GENERAL FICTION!
Some stories refuse to stay buried; don’t miss this one!
ONCE UPON A WANING STAR: A Literary Chronicle of America at the Edge of Time
JUST RELEASED!
Ready for a theatrical play within a novel?
Once Upon a Waning Star: A Literary Chronicle of America at the Edge of Time is a genre-defying work that blends the gripping narrative of a political thriller with the innovative structure of a play.
Following the January 6, 2021, insurrection, this novel presents an ensemble cast of four characters—a narrator and three actors—as they grapple with the turbulent aftermath of a nation in crisis.
Presented as both a novel and a theatrical performance, the story unfolds through the eyes of the narrator and the actors who perform a play within the novel.
The tension between drama, comedy, and surrealism creates a deeply engaging and thought-provoking experience, challenging readers to confront the complexities of history, society, and the political climate.
Laced with reverence for history and literature, Once Upon a Waning Star offers more than just a political story—it’s a journey into the heart of America’s struggle for identity and survival.
Through its unique format, the novel invites readers to experience both the turmoil and hope of a country on the brink of transformation.
Are you ready for a literary and theatrical adventure that pushes the boundaries of storytelling?
Don’t miss this gripping political odyssey.
SHOULD THIS BOOK BE BANNED: AN ANTHOLOGY
JUST RELEASED CONTAINING MY SHORT STORY "THUNDER AND ICE"!
Discover authentic, boundary-pushing stories that celebrate humanity in all its diversity. Should This Book Be Banned? explores the power of storytelling to foster empathy, challenge prejudice, and amplify marginalized voices. By weaving together authentic narratives and challenging difficult or outdated ideas, the anthology highlights how representation in literature can empower marginalized communities, dismantle stereotypes, and create a more equitable world.
This anthology brings together a kaleidoscope of voices-LGBTQ+ and straight, allies and critics, atheists and clergy, Black and white, students and scholars. Inside, you'll find narratives that grapple with religion, race, immigration, and the complexities of privilege and hypocrisy. These characters navigate themes of sex, money, power, and their impact on the vulnerable. By embracing diverse perspectives and challenging traditional structures of power, readers are invited to deepen their understanding of the transformative impact of stories.
GET IT NOW!
The Millfield Mine Disaster is a work of nonfiction. On Wednesday, November 5, 1930, Sunday Creek Coal Company Mine #6 at Millfield became the unenviable site of Ohio’s worst coal mining disaster. Within minutes, 82 men were dead, 56 women became widows and 137 dependents found themselves fatherless. Approximately 120 men not in the direct line of blast and flame escaped. Miraculously, 19 others were found barely alive many hours after all were presumed dead. The tragedy could have been prevented if proper procedures had been followed and profit were not put before worker safety.
The Millfield Mine Disaster is now available from national retailers and local businesses, or can be ordered directly through The History Press.
If you would like the author to make a presentation to your community group, please use the contact form below.
ON SHELVES NOW!
Athens County, Ohio, came out of the pioneer spirit of a new nation expanding westward after the Revolutionary War into the Northwest Territory. Upon declaration of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, the Ohio Company of Associates bought millions of acres of land to sell to land-hungry easterners. In 1788, the first boat of new settlers arrived in Marietta, Ohio. By 1797, wars with the Native Americans had ended and more land became available. When they got here, settlers found some rich farmland, but more importantly they discovered salt, coal, clay and a need for industry to provide for the needs of the people. Opportunities abounded to make fortunes in other places from the resources readily available locally. Central to the development of Athens County was the vision people had years before the first settlers arrived; they dreamed of and made provisions for a university in the new territory. Today, more than 200 years later, Ohio University thrives in the city of Athens.
ONCE UPON A WANING STAR: A Literary Chronicle of America at the Edge of Time
COMING IN JANUARY ...
Ready for a theatrical play within a novel?
Once Upon a Waning Star: A Literary Chronicle of America at the Edge of Time is a genre-defying work that blends the gripping narrative of a political thriller with the innovative structure of a play.
Following the January 6, 2021, insurrection, this novel presents an ensemble cast of four characters—a narrator and three actors—as they grapple with the turbulent aftermath of a nation in crisis.
Presented as both a novel and a theatrical performance, the story unfolds through the eyes of the narrator and the actors who perform a play within the novel.
The tension between drama, comedy, and surrealism creates a deeply engaging and thought-provoking experience, challenging readers to confront the complexities of history, society, and the political climate.
Laced with reverence for history and literature, Once Upon a Waning Star offers more than just a political story—it’s a journey into the heart of America’s struggle for identity and survival.
Through its unique format, the novel invites readers to experience both the turmoil and hope of a country on the brink of transformation.
Are you ready for a literary and theatrical adventure that pushes the boundaries of storytelling?
Don’t miss this gripping political odyssey.