I have published 9 books, seven in poetry, one collection of short stories, and a work of nonfiction. I am also known as an essayist, having published over 60 memoir/creative nonfiction pieces in the last 20 years. While characterized as a working-class writer, my work has moved beyond that category in recent years. I teach creative writing at Siena College in Loudonville, New York, and live in the Upper Hudson Valley with my wife Susan, and my two dogs, a basset hound name Melville and a bloodhound named Flannery.