Tom Powers

Because the word "retire" sounds like I bought a set of Goodyears for the car, lets just say I worked 32 rewarding years at the Flint Public Library before I exited public service. Instead of selecting and collecting books, and assisting patrons with reference work, I concentrated on my writing career in addition to more questionable pursuits. I never tire of writing because there is something magical about placing two words together on the page, and instead of one plus one equals two they add up to so much more. Admittedly, it doesn't happen often when I'm stroking the keyboard, but when it does it almost makes me feel better than eating a Zingerman's sandwich followed by one of their chocolate macaroons.

My abundance of character flaws includes fly fishing, reading, being a hockey fanatic, having an excessive fondness for Up North Michigan, junk art, cooking, and piddling around. Among my other stellar, ok dubious, achievements is the creation of the world's first mime radio show (the station closed within a year), and the Julia A. Moore Poetry Festival which celebrates America's worst poet. I have also recently started a blog entitled "Michigan in Books" which is dedicated to reviewing and promoting books on Michigan and the Michigan experience. I especially like searching out small press authors who get little or no recognition for their work. The blog can be viewed at https://michiganinbooks.blogspot.com.