Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by James Wood
The Sunday Morning Time Machine
I’ve often wondered what my ten-year-old self would think if he could travel through time and spend a Sunday morning with me in October of 2026. For starters, he’d probably be disappointed to find out that I don’t own a flying car. After all, when you’re growing up in the 1970s watching The Jetsons, you naturally assume that by the time you’re pushing sixty, you’ll be commuting to work in a spaceship while your robot maid takes care of the house.
Saturday Mornings Aren’t What They Used to Be
There was a time when Saturday mornings meant something. As a kid growing up in the 1970s, Saturday was practically a religious experience. There was no school, no homework worth worrying about, and absolutely no reason to get dressed before noon. In fact, my biggest responsibility in those days was getting downstairs before the cartoons started.
Rainy Sundays, Watercolors, and a Few More Echoes
There’s something about a rainy Sunday morning in October that makes you want to slow down a little. Maybe it’s the sound of the rain against the windows, or the gray skies that make staying inside seem like a perfectly reasonable life decision. Or maybe it’s just the realization that the lawn isn’t getting mowed today. Whatever the reason, today seems like a good opportunity to sit down with a cup of coffee, catch up on a few things, and share some of what’s been happening.
Remembering My Mom on Her 80th Birthday
My mom, Joanne Wood, lower right. October 10th, 2026. My mom would have turned 80 years old today. It’s strange for me to even write those words, because in my mind, my mother will always be somewhere in her early to mid-forties. Time has a funny way of doing that. We get older, but the people we’ve lost somehow remain captured in a moment exactly as we remember them. In fact, one of my fondest memories of Mom takes me back to this very day in 1986, when she celebrated her 40th birthday.
From Fairmont, With Love: A Little Art for a Good Cause
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and I’ve decided to add another dimension to a fundraiser for a friend: My original watercolor paintings. I’ve been painting for years, usually landscapes, trees, snow-covered fields, and the occasional scene that doesn’t look nearly as good on paper as it did in my head. I also have quite a collection of finished paintings. Rather than letting them sit around waiting for someone to admire them, I thought they might serve a much better purpose.
Birthday Reflections at 57
October 5th, 2026 – My 57th Birthday. This is the sixteenth entry in my series of annual birthday reflections, something I started doing shortly after I began my writing journey in the fall of 2011. And somehow, here we are again. As I sit here drinking coffee on another beautiful fall morning, I’m officially 57 years old. Fifty-seven. I’m not exactly sure when or how that happened.
When Music Was An Experience
A funny thing happened to music. We got everything we ever wanted. And somehow, we lost something in the process. I was scrolling through Apple Music recently, bouncing from song to song with absolutely no commitment whatsoever. A little Foo Fighters. Some Bon Jovi. Maybe a Night Ranger song. Something for the gym, or a track I hadn’t heard in thirty years. Something the algorithm assured me I would enjoy because apparently it knows me better than some members of my immediate family.
The Four Greatest Inventions Of All Time
Aside from the opposable thumb (and having sex for fun instead of strictly for procreation), one of the things that separates us humans from the rest of the animal kingdom is our ability to use our brains to invent things that make life easier. And thank God there are people who know how to do that. Because about the only things I can create outside of a novel and watercolor, is a bowl of cereal and, on a particularly ambitious morning, toast.
The Echo Keeps Growing: A Few Updates From Fairmont
It’s hard to believe that The Seventh Echo has already been out in the world for more than a month. For so long, August 18 was the date. Everything revolved around it. Writing, editing, formatting, cover design, advance copies, countdowns and the occasional moment when I wondered why anyone voluntarily puts themselves through the process of writing a novel. Then release day arrived, and something funny happened. The story didn’t end. In many ways, it was only just beginning.
‘The Seventh Echo’: Twenty Books. One Good Cause.
Sometimes, life has a way of bringing people back into your world. More than thirty years ago, I worked with a woman named Gabrielle in a hospital pharmacy in my hometown of Easton. She and I were friends but like so many people we encounter along the way, we eventually went our separate ways, and life carried on. Recently, we reconnected. I learned that Gabrielle has been dealing with cancer and the enormous physical, emotional, and financial challenges that come with it.
What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?
I remember a song we used to sing in kindergarten at Porter Elementary School in 1975. I was in the afternoon class, and every so often Mrs. Rapp would gather a gaggle of us five-year-olds around this lime-green, slightly out-of-tune upright piano. We’d just finished our vanilla wafer cookies and half-pint cartons of milk and were settling comfortably into our afternoon sugar comas when she’d start singing a little song that went something like this: ♫ What do you want to be when you grow up?
Spidey and Me
Me and Spider-Man circa 1980s I can still remember it like it was yesterday. It was the spring of 1984. I was fourteen years old, and my parents had just paid for my very first subscription to The Amazing Spider-Man comic book. I’m pretty sure they did it less out of generosity and more because they were tired of hearing me ask for sixty cents every month—and probably equally tired of me pestering the people at the local drugstore about when the newest issue was coming in.
Rewriting the Script: Sarah Vandella on Life, Legacy and Her Next Chapter
Sarah Vandella isn’t disappearing — she’s rewriting the script. After years as one of adult entertainment’s most recognizable performers, she’s stepping back from the persona that defined her and into something far more personal. While slowly transitioning the “Vandella” moniker in favor of “Moon,” the stunning beauty is turning her focus toward online platforms, wellness, and a more intentional way of living.
GoodReads Giveaway: “Beyond What We Know”
With most major outlets sold out of the print edition of my new book, “Beyond What We Know” it makes sense to give everyone a chance to win one of the paperback copies for free! Enter now to win one of 5 signed copies of James Wood’s 80’s-themed new adult thriller, “Beyond What We Know.” With an ending you’ll never see coming! The five random winners will also receive a BWWK bookmark, cover card and stickers.
They’re dubbed “The Galaxy’s Most Excellent ’80s Tribute Band” for good reason. It’s because the members of Rubix Kube pride themselves on re-creating the music from the decade of decadence with gnarly note-for-note precision.
ARC Team Sign-Up (Beyond What We Know)
The release of my new book, “Beyond What We Know” is less than 5 weeks away. Here’s a quick way on how you can become a part of the story: Are you interested in being part of the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) team for “Beyond What We Know”? If you’re an avid reader who likes to review books and want to be in the mix to receive an advance copy in exchange for a review, fill out the form below. The official release date is August 31st, 2025.
‘Beyond What We Know’ - Paperback Edition Pre-Order
Pre Order “Beyond What We Know” I’m so excited to share the news that the paperback version of my new 232-page novel, “Beyond What We Know,” is now available for pre-order on Amazon. Click here to be taken to the pre-order page where you can find out all the details. The book officially arrives on August 31st.
Concert pick: Bluegrass band Steep Canyon Rangers return to Bethlehem with Musikfest Cafe performance
Since their formation in 2000, Steep Canyon Rangers have been wowing audiences with their eclectic mix of bluegrass and Americana. The Grammy-Award winning band, which features Graham Sharp on banjo, Mike Guggino on mandolin, Aaron Burdett on guitar, Nicky Sanders on fiddle, Mike Ashworth on drums and Barrett Smith on bass, guitar, all provide vocals and have released 14 studio albums as well as three collaborative albums with actor and banjoist Steve Martin.
Jon Lovitz talks career, his ‘that’s the ticket’ catchphrase ahead of Bethlehem stand-up show
For more than 40 years, Jon Lovitz has been one of the best-known comedians of his generation. His brand of funny can be traced back to his stint on “Saturday Night Live” in the mid-80s, where the catch phrase “Yeah, that’s the ticket,” from his character, Tommy Flanagan the Pathological Liar, became a weekend staple of must see TV.
Lehigh Valley concert preview: Here are the shows coming in 2025
t may be hard to believe, but the arrival of 2025 means that we’re now officially one-quarter of the way into the 21st century. It’s a new year that brings with it an opportunity to make resolutions to do things you’ve kept putting off for one reason or another. If one of the resolutions you’ve made this year is to get out and explore what’s going on in the Lehigh Valley, then we’ve got you covered. Because 2025 is already shaping up to be a memorable one for live entertainment.
Fall concert preview: Here’s who’s coming to the Lehigh Valley
The summer season is starting to wind down in the Lehigh Valley, but it doesn’t mean the opportunity to see live entertainment has to stop. When the kids head back to school and thoughts begin to turn to sweater weather and raking leaves it can only mean one thing — the fall concert season is back! And this year promises to be one of the most exciting and versatile in recent memory.
Off script: Improv comedy troupe bringing show to Nazareth for good cause
Scriptless in Seattle is a young improv comedy group that regularly tours the Midwest and mid-Atlantic. Reminiscent of the classic show “Whose Line Is It Anyway,” the group prides itself on creating a uniquely entertaining experience combining elements of classic improv games with fresh takes and new spins, all of them based on audience suggestions.
As an original member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band Kiss, Ace Frehley and his Spaceman image inspired legions of fans to pick up a guitar to try and imitate his musical wizardry. His 1978 release was the highest selling of the four Kiss solo albums. His reunion with the band in the mid-late 90′s helped return the group to sold-out stadium performances. In 2011, Frehley’s autobiography, “No Regrets,” also turned the artist into a bona fide New York Times bestselling author.
Interview: Chappell Roan discusses her new album, ‘School Nights’ and new tour
Photography by Catie Laffoon From the moment Chappell Roan forced herself from her mid-western roots to showcase for labels in New York it’s been nothing but a steady trajectory of success. The singer/songwriter, whose hauntingly beautiful voice conjures images of Stevie Nicks and Carole King, shines brightly on her debut EP, School Nights.
Actress Fiona Dourif Talks ‘Cult of Chucky’, ‘Dirk Gently’ and Career Moments
Photo by: Ryan West Whether she’s portraying the frail but formidable paraplegic, Nica Pierce in “Curse of Chucky”, the crazed assassin, Bart Curlish, in “Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency” or the young nurse, Diane Jones, in the ABC mini-series, “When We Rise”, Fiona Dourif has proven that her versatility and talent as an actress is as genuine as the person she is in real life.
Stryper Celebrates 30 Years of ‘To Hell With The Devil’ With Music, Memories in Stone Pony Performance
First, a little bit of perspective. It was my senior year of high school in March of 1987 when rumors surfaced that Christian rockers, Stryper were coming to town. The band, which had already been generating a healthy buzz in both the Christian and secular/MTV worlds with the songs “Calling On You,” “Free,” “Honestly” and the title-track from their ‘To Hell With The Devil’ album, was out on tour supporting the release and would soon be rolling into The State Theatre in Easton, Pennsylvania.
Bobbi Brown Discusses New Book: Dirty Rocker Boys
She’s been a model, video vixen, rock star wife and a reality TV star. But Bobbi Brown has taken things to an entirely different level as published author. The ex-wife of the late Warrant vocalist Jani Lane is dishing the dirt about the LA scene in her new tell-all book, “Dirty Rocker Boys: Love And Lust On The Sunset Strip.” In it, Brown talks about her journey from Louisiana beauty queen to the glamorous life of LA.
Culture Shock
This may come as a shock to you, but the truth is I’m not quite as hip as you think. At least, I never used to be. Oh sure, I write and play music and all of that fun stuff. But there are some things about me that you probably wouldn’t believe. Here are just a few of them: 1. I’ve never EVER listened to (or owned for that matter) a single Jimi Hendrix or Led Zeppelin album from start to finish. Nope, not one.
Movie Review: The Hobbit
I need to let you know ahead of time that there may be a bit of bias in this review. I will try to be as objective as possible but I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t already a huge fan of The Lord of the Rings. It’s fair to say that Peter Jackson’s three prior films were the best telling of the trilogy that I’ve ever seen. Just the mere fact that The Return of The King garnered the Oscar for Best Picture tells you that I’m not alone in my way of thinking.
Guitar World Interview Rising of the S.U.N. - Brian Tichy Discusses New Project With Sass Jordan
Brian Tichy has built an impressive resume of recording, touring and/or writing with artists like Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Idol, Whitesnake, Foreigner, Lynch Mob and T&N. Known for his phenomenal drumming, Tichy now showcases his equally versatile guitar prowess in S.U.N (Something Unto Nothing), his new project with amazing vocalist, Sass Jordan. S.U.N.’s debut album is reminiscent of the classic big album sounds of the 1970′s.
Actress Julie Piekarski’s Mission: Dancing With The Stars
Julie Piekarski and The Facts of Life cast Julie Piekarski is on a mission. The former “Mouseketeer” and “Facts of Life” alum is on a quest to join the cast of the ABC hit show, “Dancing with the Stars”. Julie is no stranger to the art of the dance, having honed her chops from a very young age performing in front of huge audiences at The Muny, the nation’s largest outdoor theater located in St. Louis, Missouri.
Making A Difference: A Conversation with Felice Schachter
Felice Schachter is making a difference. Most of us remember her as the wholesome brunette Nancy Olsen from the first season of Facts of Life. I personally remember her as Bernadette from the movie “Zapped!” where she played the class president and was the only one who wanted Scott Baio’s character Barney to use his newly acquired power of telekinesis for the good of mankind.
Bon Jovi, Donnie Iris and Copyright Law: A Conversation With Mark Avsec
Mark Avsec Here’s a quick Bon Jovi Jeopardy question for you: “This song, from the group’s first album, is the only song on any Bon Jovi record that was not at least co-written by a member of the band.” Answer: What is “She Don’t Know Me“? It was the June 16th, 1984 and my brother and I had braved the Summer heat to drive to the Allentown Fairgrounds and see the Scorpions. They were out supporting their hugely successful album, “Love at First Sting” and we couldn’t wait to see them.
New York Groove (Part 1)
“Back in the New York Groove” was a song written by Russ Ballard that first appeared on the 1975 album “Keep Us Off The Streets” by the British glam band Hello. As a musician I know this because well, I looked it up. Who would have thought that three years after it first appeared on vinyl that song would indirectly become part of my life? It was 1978.
Nicknames
My cell phone rang last night and as I glanced down to see who it was I could see the word “Bones” blaring off the screen. A feeling of comfort came upon me. Usually, phone calls on my cell in the evening are work related. Someone locking themselves out of the computer and needing assistance or maybe a server was down. Always an inconvenience. So it was a great relief to see “Bones” on there. Bones, as it turns out, is actually the nickname for my brother Louie.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with James
Contact James, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack