Remembering 9/11

 

The 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and reactions brings back memories of that surreal day.

Some of those experiences were captured in a short story I wrote a few years later, "Freedom," which was first serialized in a newsletter (Coloquio), later read on NPR (WYPR's The Signal), and then published in abridged form in Syndic Literary Journal. The story became one of the sections of my novel in stories, Tracks. 

The full story is about 30 pages, far too long for a blog post or social media share. But I'm inclined to share an exerpt today, because it captures how it felt to be at work on what started as an ordinary day and ended like everything had changed.

Here is an excerpt from "Freedom," a story featured in Tracks: A Novel in Stories.

For Joe, it took time for the devastation of that awful day to seep in. He sat at his computer, entering figures into a database at the office where he temped. Marge, the chatty woman in the cube next to his, had a habit of reading the hot Internet headlines out loud. She was the office herald, alleviating Joe of the need to read the news himself. On this particular morning, she stood up to bellow out a big one. “My Lord! An airplane’s just hit the World Trade Center in New York!”

Joe finished the set of figures he was keying in before pausing to let the news register. “Wow, that’s pretty bad.” It was bad news in the way that a lot of news was bad: an airplane has been hijacked or has crashed; young children have been taken hostage and are being killed; several teenagers in a rural town have been murdered in another school shooting; a weather disaster has taken countless lives; an ethnic cleansing campaign has been reported in Africa or some far off country no one pays any attention to. Joe sighed and went back to his work.

Before he’d filled his screen, Marge was shuffling up and down the cubicle aisles announcing that a second plane had collided with the other tower. Then he knew it was not just more bad news, not just another terrible accident. Hysteria broke out in the office when the Pentagon was struck. Eventually, everyone was sent home early because no one knew how this day would end.

On the car radio, as a fourth plane crashed in Pennsylvania, the devastation sounded even worse. But when he got home and saw his mom—stunned—on the floor in front of the television, he fixed his eyes on the screen’s images for the first time and saw the unimaginable for himself: people jumping from the high, flaming windows, the towers crumbling into rubbish heaps of flesh, stone and glass. The more he heard, the more he saw, the worse it seemed. And for the first time in as long as he could remember, he was not ashamed of the tears that streamed down his face.

Wu called to offer his condolences. “Everyone here in China thinks this is terrible. Almost like it happened to us. Hard to believe. We are with you, my friend.”

Joe called Bi’nh in Baltimore.

“It’s terrible, Joe!” she cried. “I mean, I’m okay, don’t worry. But it’s terrible! It’s not far, you know, the Pentagon, only an hour away. Right in my backyard! And the towers! God, Joe, I wish you were here! What’s this world coming to? Where’s it going?”

Joe didn’t know where the world was headed, but he knew where he was going. His slightly-over-minimum-wage assignment through the temp service wasn’t important to him; Bi’nh was. He took a train the very next day from Chicago to Baltimore. He wasn’t about to fly if he didn’t have to. He spent a week with her, crying with her, holding her, his lips pressed against the part in her silky black hair as she nestled against his chest.

In the hours before his train was to take him back home to Chicago, Bi’nh held him in the privacy of her apartment. “Thanks so much for coming.” She was the first person to offer a genuinely happy smile in days, and it was a welcome sight. “I love you, Joe.”

He kissed her deeply, hugged her tightly, her golden cheek against his chest. For a long time they stood there, interlocked. Already he could taste the pain of missing her. “I love you too, Bi’nh.”

Joe’s original decision had been to quit college only temporarily after getting his two-year degree. Then he would work for a year or two, make a little money, and go back to finish up his bachelor’s degree. But that all seemed insignificant as he held Bi’nh in the wake of September 11.

Baseball Road Trip in Montgomery Magazine

 

My “Baseball Road Trip” story was featured in the print issue of Montgomery Magazine! Take a trip with me through some of the best baseball parks and traditions this side of the United States, capturing the essence of America’s favorite pastime. This piece is available both in print and online, so grab a copy and hit the road with me.

Check it out here: Montgomery Magazine

Junot Díaz: Writing as an Act of Persistence

Years ago, after a few online conversations, I had the pleasure of meeting Junot Díaz in person at a sold-out literary event in Washington. (I was later thrilled when he blurbed one of my novels!)

His insights into the writing process have profoundly influenced many writers–and entertained even more readers. He’s author of the Pulitzer-winning The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao and of the short story collection, This is How You Lose Her. Here are some of his key pieces of advice:

• Embrace Reading as a Foundation: Díaz emphasizes the importance of reading to fuel writing. He mentions, "My writing routine begins with my reading. I read immense amounts. The reading inspires my ideas, my sentences, my imagination."
• Maintain a Consistent Routine: He advocates for a disciplined writing schedule, sharing, "I write in the morning, very early. I wake up a few minutes before 5 every day, like clockwork."
• Persevere Through Challenges: Díaz believes that persistence defines a writer. He states, "A writer is a writer because even when there is no hope, you keep writing anyway."

For more about Junot Díaz and his work, visit his profile in The New Yorker. 

A Poem Published in The Woodside Review

 

My poem, “Grand,” has been published in The Woodside Review.

Sometimes a travel story or scene in a book using isn’t enough to paint the emotional truth of a place. Set at the edge of the Grand Canyon, this poem explores the overwhelming sense of awe and insignificance we sometimes feel in the face of nature’s vastness—and how the simple act of connection can shift that perspective.

“Those sensations paled
before the infinite abyss.
Insignificance overwhelmed,
until your hand took mine…”

Read the full poem here:
https://thewoodsidereview.substack.com/p/grand

Dublin for Families in Baltimore's Child Magazine

 

My Dublin story was published on Baltimore's Child Magazine Website. Our family trip to Dublin was a wonderful blend of fun and learning. We wandered through the historic halls of Trinity College, explored the lively Irish Rock 'N' Roll Museum, and delved into the fascinating history of Kilmainham Gaol. Dublin's family-friendly atmosphere provided countless activities that kept us all entertained and engaged.

Read the full story online for more insights into our Dublin adventure at the link below:

https://www.baltimoreschild.com/dublin-for-families-charm-the-whole-family-with-an-emerald-isle-adventure/ 

Elizabeth Strout on the Discipline of Curiosity

Years ago, I heard Elizabeth Strout speak at a literary event and got a moment to talk with her while she was signing books after her presentation. Here’s how the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Olive Kitteridge distills her craft, drawn from her own words and my notes from that day.

Stick With It, No Matter What
Strout’s mantra is persistence. “I never stop writing,” she said, even when the words feel wrong, because “work gets done if you simply do it.” She urges writers to read voraciously, write daily, and push past rejection. Her own path—honing her craft through years of quiet effort before Olive Kitteridge’s success—proves that stubbornness can outlast doubt.

Build Stories Brick by Brick
Strout shuns linear outlines, favoring vivid scenes that pulse with emotion. “I never write anything from beginning to end. ”I learned to write in scenes. After a while the scenes with heartbeats begin to form a kind of story.” These fragments, born from what presses on her heart, coalesce into narratives over time, like puzzles solved in hindsight. Her linked stories in Olive Kitteridge reflect this mosaic-like craft.

Live in Someone Else’s Skin
Curiosity about others’ inner lives drives Strout’s characters. “I’m so interested in the fact that we really don’t know anybody." It allows the imagination to take over.

Empathy crafts characters so real they seem to breathe, from Olive’s gruff complexity to Lucy Barton’s quiet resilience. Strout channels her own experiences to inhabit their worlds, making them unforgettable.

To dive deeper into her world, check out her profile on The Booker Prizes site: https://thebookerprizes.com/author/elizabeth-strout.

“Black Neck Blue” Published in The Five-Two

I'm pleased to share that one of my new poems was published in The Five-Two, the weekly crime poetry blog curated by Gerald So. Like a talented detective, the literary journal was brought out of retirement and put back on the case of sharing crime-related poetry. 

When Gerald decided to bring The Five-Two out of retirement, I was honored that one of the first new poems he published was mine. This poem is a look at a crime and injustice that has existed for a long time. 

Read the poem here at The Five-Two:
https://poemsoncrime.blogspot.com/2025/04/eric-d-goodman.html

Prague: City of a Hundred Spires Featured in Montgomery Magazine

 

Seventeen years after our first visit, Nataliya and I returned to Prague—this time with our teenage son, Alex. The result is a new story in the print edition of Montgomery Magazine, capturing our rediscovery of one of Europe’s most enchanting cities.

From the Charles Bridge and Astronomical Clock to Prague Castle and quiet monastery libraries, Prague continues to blend timeless beauty with quiet surprises. We strolled cobbled lanes, cruised the Vltava, explored hidden museums, and tasted goulash and fried cheese in the shadow of Gothic spires.

This city of a hundred spires still feels like an old friend—and we’re already looking forward to our next visit.

Read the full story in the print edition of Montgomery Magazine , pages 13–14!

Michael Cunningham on Writing: Challenge, Persistence, and Keeping Stories Alive

It was years ago, at a small literary gathering in a DC bookstore, that I first met Michael Cunningham. Before a small crowd of readers, writers, and fans, Cunningham spoke with calm intensity.

He talked about the importance of discomfort—the kind that keeps a writer slightly off balance. If you feel entirely in control of a project, he said, you’re probably not reaching far enough. The best work, in his view, comes from that uneasy middle ground where clarity and chaos overlap. The challenge isn’t something to conquer but to inhabit.

Cunningham also described stories as living things—restless, unpredictable, demanding attention. A writer’s task, he said, is to keep them breathing. When the energy fades, readers can sense it immediately. 

He spoke, too, about persistence. It took him a decade to find real recognition, and during that time, he watched many fellow writers drift away. The difference wasn’t always talent—it was endurance. Rejection, he suggested, isn’t the end of anything. It’s simply part of a long conversation between the writer and the work.

In an age of constant noise and instant validation, Cunningham’s advice felt almost radical: stay with it, keep the story alive, even when no one’s watching.

You can find his full reflections in The Yale Review.

Faraway Tables Featured in Philly Chapbook Review

Faraway Tables continues to garner attention, this time featured in the Philly Poetry Chapbook Review's roundup of notable poetry releases. Their mention highlights the collection's resonance within the contemporary poetry landscape, explaining that the book “invites readers to savor the delicate flavors of experience, the tender beauty of other places and other times, and the enduring connections that define our shared humanity.”  

For more insights and to explore the collection, visit the Philly Poetry Chapbook Review:

https://phillychapbookreview.org/new-poetry-titles-10-1-24/#Faraway_Tables_Unabridged_Eric_D_Goodman

Go World Travel Magazine Goes to Washington

Washington, D.C., is a city where history, art, and architecture come together at every turn. From the Lincoln Memorial’s iconic steps to the soaring dome of the U.S. Capitol, each site tells a powerful story.

During a recent visit, we walked the National Mall and revisited some of our favorite museums, like the National Gallery of Art, the Museum of American History, and the Air and Space Museum.

Even beyond the monuments and museums, D.C.’s architecture is something to admire—from neoclassical landmarks to modernist gems and the Gothic spires of the National Cathedral.

Read the full story here in Go World Travel Magazine .

George Saunders on Embracing Revision and the Magic of Storytelling

Years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting George Saunders at a literary event. His insights into the writing process have influenced many writers, including myself. Here are some key pieces of advice from Saunders:

Embrace Revision: Saunders emphasizes the importance of viewing initial drafts as starting points. He suggests that writers should not be dismayed by imperfect first attempts but should see them as opportunities to refine and discover the true essence of their stories.

Overcome Writer's Block: He believes that writer's block often stems from setting unrealistically high standards. By lowering the bar and allowing oneself to write freely, a writer can bypass the paralysis that perfectionism brings.

Maintain the 'Magic' in Writing: Saunders recalls advice from his mentor, Tobias Wolff, who told him, "Just don't lose the magic." This reminder encourages writers to preserve the joy and spontaneity in their work, ensuring that writing remains a passionate endeavor rather than a mechanical task.

For more insights into George Saunders' work and thoughts on writing, you can visit his profile on Literary Hub.

Faraway Tables Reviewed on Barbara Morrison’s Book Blog

 

Barbara Morrison, author and literary blogger, recently shared her thoughts on Faraway Tables.

She writes that the collection “moves around in time and space” while paying attention to “seemingly ordinary moments.” Whether it’s a memory sparked at Baltimore’s Museum of Industry, a winding clock, or a cup of coffee, she explains, the poems explore meaning in the everyday.

Barbara points out connections to my earlier fiction and highlights some of the poems that stood out to her, including “Relics,” “Embracing Hermithood,” and “Dogged Memories.”

She also notes the way the poems take on recent events like the war in Ukraine, the pandemic, and even climate change and consumerism—with a dose of humor and wordplay in poems like “Dogged Memories.”

You can read Barbara’s full review at the link below.
https://www.bmorrison.com/faraway-tables-by-eric-d-goodman/

Thanks to Barbara Morrison for sharing her thoughts on the collection!

Two Poems Published in The Fictional Café

The Fictional Café published two of my poems,“Percentages” and “Tight Community,” as part of its National Poetry Month Roundup.

One poem touches on the absurdity of election polls. The other touches upon absurdity itself. 

You can read the full roundup, including both of my poems, at the link below:

https://fictionalcafe.com/fcs-2025-national-poetry-month-roundup/

Thanks for reading—and for continuing to join me at the table.

Bavarian Beauty in Munich Never Disappoints

My article about our visit to Munich was published in Go World Travel Magazine.

One of Munich’s greatest treasures is its green spaces. The English Garden, larger than New York’s Central Park, invites you to relax by serene streams or marvel at surfers riding the Eisbach wave. Munich’s museums are as diverse as the city itself. The Alte Pinakothek houses masterpieces from the Old Masters, while the futuristic Museum Brandhorst celebrates contemporary art. No visit to Munich is complete without experiencing its legendary beer halls, where tradition and community come alive over steins of frothy brew.

Read more here: https://www.goworldtravel.com/beauty-in-munich/ 

Tim O’Brien on Trusting the Story

I met Tim O’Brien years ago at a literary event. It was a thrill to meet and listen to the words of the author of such works as The Things They Carried and In the Lake of the Woods. 

O’Brien talked about the need to trust the story. To stop wrestling it into shape and instead to step inside it, the way one might walk into a fog—seeing just far enough to take the next step. He called it a “dream state,” where logic loosens its grip and the mind begins to move differently, following instinct rather than design. He didn’t mean abandoning discipline. He meant letting imagination lead, at least for a while, before reason comes back to tidy things up.

He also spoke about the extraordinary—the way a story can tilt toward the strange without losing its truth. Ordinary life, he said, is full of surprises if you’re paying attention. His best stories, of course, do exactly that: they take something familiar and twist it just enough for us to see it anew. A soldier carries a pebble, a letter, a ghost—each object weighted with meaning that’s both impossible and true.

But what I remember most was his quiet insistence on presence. “The sitting down is all,” he said, borrowing from Conrad. Writing, he explained, isn’t about waiting for inspiration. It’s about showing up—day after day.

For more insights into Tim O'Brien's work and writing approach, you can explore his Wikipedia page.

Faraway Tables Reviewed in Loch Raven Review

I’m proud to share a review of Faraway Tables, published in Loch Raven Review, that was written by the late editor and poet Dan Cuddy.

Dan wrote:

“The commonplace is wonderfully changed by [Goodman’s] words into a full experience for reflection and celebration.”

He noted the emotional accessibility of the poems and their grounding in everyday life, describing the book as one that “engages the reader immediately.”

He even wrote, “Goodman maintains his quality of expression and insights throughout the book.”

I'm grateful for Dan’s thoughtful words..

You can read Dan Cuddy’s full review of Faraway Tables here:
https://thelochravenreview.net/eric-d-goodmans-faraway-tables-reviewed-by-dan-cuddy/

Have Yourself a Mid-Atlantic Christmas

 

The Winter 2026 issue of Baltimore Style Magazine has been published, and it features my article, “Have Yourself A Mid-Atlantic Christmas.”

The article explores 10 regional destinations that go all-in for Christmas, including Williamsburg, Baltimore, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and Bethlehem. Check out the details on pages 10 and 11 of the latest issue.

So have yourself a Mid-Atlantic Christmas now!

https://dmag.baltimorestyle.com/December-2025/index.html

December Lit & Art Features Tribute to Dan Cuddy

The next and final event in the Lit & Art Reading Series for 2025 will take place from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 20 at the iconic Bromo-Seltzer Arts Tower.

The Lit & Art Reading Series has been showcasing the talents of local, regional, and national authors, poets, musicians, and artists since 2007—making it the longest-running literary salon series in Baltimore.

Join us as we welcome featured readers Robert Bowie, Margo Christie, Susan Reslewic Keatley and featured musician Madison Smartt Bell for an afternoon of poetry, fiction, and music.

The event will include a tribute to the late Dan Cuddy, who was originally scheduled to read at this event. Among those who will share Dan Cuddy’s poetry are Michael Fallon, Shirley Brewer, Christopher T. George, Charles Rammelkamp, Dave Eberhardt, and Sid Gold.

Bring five minutes of your own work to share during open mic!

The event takes place at the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower from noon to 3 p.m. today, Saturday, December 20.

We look forward to seeing you there!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitAndArt/

Writing with Authenticity: Thomas Steinbeck’s Advice for Writers

Years ago I had the pleasure of meeting Thomas Steinbeck when we did a reading together at a book shop in Montecito, California. I was promoting my novel in stories, Tracks, and he was kind enough to support me, having read and enjoyed the book.   As we talked, he shared invaluable insights into his approach to writing. Here are some of the key pieces of advice he shared:

1. Embrace the Writing Process

Thom highlighted the importance of giving writing one's whole attention, suggesting that true rewards come from dedication to passion for the craft.

2. Take Advice from Experts

He believed in studying the works of great authors, including his father, John Steinbeck, to understand different styles and techniques that can enhance one’s own writing.

3. Write with Authenticity

Thom advised writers to stay true to their own voice and experiences, as authenticity resonates deeply with readers and brings originality to the narrative.

These insights from Thom Steinbeck serve as a guiding light for writers striving to hone their craft and connect meaningfully with their audience.

For more about Thomas Steinbeck and his work, visit his official website:

https://thomassteinbeck.com/

"Planning a Trip to Germany from Bavaria to Berlin" in Montgomery Magazine

 

My travel story has been featured in Montgomery Magazine! This time, I’m taking you on a journey through Germany, from the scenic landscapes of Bavaria to the bustling streets of Berlin. It’s an inside look at the best destinations in Germany, so check it out in the current issue of Montgomery Magazine, both online and in print.

Read more here: Montgomery Magazine

My poem, Fado, published in the guitar issue of Syncopation Literary Journal.

 

My Faraway Tables poem "Fado" has been published in the guitar issue of Syncopation Literary Journal, dedicated to the theme of the guitar. This issue brings together a variety of works that explore the instrument's influence on music and culture. 

For those interested in exploring the intersection of music and poetry, "Fado" can be read by accessing the following link. 

Additionally, the full guitar issue of Syncopation Literary Journal is available here. 

Our Oldest Manmade Possession

When we travel, we sometimes come across a piece of art or culture or a collectable to take back with us as a momento of our experience.

In Japan, we met with a Samaurai Sword expert and acquired an antique Japanese blade. It arrived in the mail for our unboxing last weekend.

This Katana was made by Iga no Kami Fujiwara Kinmichi, an esteemed Kyoto swordsmith from the early Edo period (between 1658 and 1661). That makes it the oldest manmade item we own.

It's amazing how these were made,, folding the pure tamahagane "jewel steel" 15 times to create more than 30,000 layers. No wonder they have a reputation for being the strongest blades ever made!

The Samaurai sword is said to contain the soul of the Samauri who used it. We will take good care of this one.

Dublin for Families in the Print Edition of Baltimore's Child

 

My Dublin story was published in the print edition of Baltimore's Child Magazine (pages 14-16). Our recent family adventure brought us to the charming city of Dublin, Ireland—a place where history and modernity coexist beautifully.

We started our journey at Trinity College, marveling at its rich history and stunning architecture. The Irish Rock 'N' Roll Museum offered interactive exhibits that delighted the kids, while Kilmainham Gaol's intriguing past captivated us all. Dublin's family-friendly activities ensured there was something for everyone, making our trip unforgettable.

For more on our adventure, check out the print edition of Baltimore's Child Magazine.