What do you think is the best day for a wedding? Maybe late spring or summer, I would say. Good weather, good wedding, right? …
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This was a war you won’t read about in history books
I’m getting to the end of my second novel, and the climax is going to be a real heart-breaker. I’m not going to spoil anything for …
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Seven Typical Russian Gestures
Recently, a friend and I had a long overdue lunch. The food was good (Burmese), the company lively, and the conversation fruitful. …
Five Interesting Facts about Russian Ritual Lamentation
Yesterday, I had a remarkably fruitful writing session at the pool. No, I didn’t swim, but my kids' squeals of delight …
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The Tsar’s Menu: A Feast for the Whole World
The Tsar's Menu: A Feast for the Whole World Have you ever noticed how ambivalent people are about wealth? On the one …
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5 Unusual Codes of Behavior in Old Russia
I’ve had a wonderful few weeks, both in terms of work and rest. My kids are growing up fast and beautiful, my work is rewarding, …
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15 Russian expressions you’ve never heard of
I’m having a great time getting into the exciting bits of my new novel. Bear-riders have appeared, my main character is in the …
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8 things you’ve never heard about medieval Russian princes
Many people have an allergic reaction to the word "conventional." Or, worse yet, "traditional." They immediately sense the bonds …
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7 Things You’ve Never Heard about Russian Weddings
Recently, my darling wife and I celebrated our third anniversary. In the midst of writing long swathes of my second novel about …
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How to Train a War Elephant
Right now, I’m basking in the productive atmosphere of the Oregon Coast Writers’ Retreat, and I’m getting close to a place in my …
Five Myths about Russian Cuisine
Yesterday, I got back from an amazing trip to Saratov, Russia, where I was one of 41 men recording sacred music for a men’s choir …
How to Name Your Future Prince
In the novel I'm working on now, the generation of characters that was young in the first novel now has children. And …
Things You May Not Know about “Kievan Rus”
These days, Tolkien isn’t particularly popular among certain readers and publishers of fantasy. To be called “Tolkien-esque” can …
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Ushkuiniki: the Last Pirates of Old Rus
Recently, I've been having trouble with a main character's journey in my second novel. He literally wasn't going anywhere fast. It …
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Russian Village Windows: the Eyes of the Russian Soul
Those of you who’ve been following me, especially on Pinterest, know that I love traditional Russian village windows, which …
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The Suffering Innocents
It is easy to become jaded, seeing all the horrors of war on our Facebook wall. It is easy to lose empathy with the suffering …
Bright Week
The Bright Seven Days The first week of Easter is like an extended single day of feasting. Joyful and bright. …
How Iconographers Draw the Soul
In my second novel (tentatively titled The Garden in the Heart of the World), one of the characters is given a …