Welcome! I’m Duke Southard, an author, retired educator, and lecturer.
I have published seven novels, a commissioned history, and an anthology of
award-winning short stories and essays.
Please check out my blog where I write about true crime and a wide ranging variety of literary and everyday subjects.
My Programs
My programs are offered free of charge to any schools, public libraries, and educational/community groups.
Free Book
Grab a free copy of my book, The Week from Heaven and Hell
My Books
View a list of my published books, including Tainted Justice.
Recent Posts
Moving Christmas to the attic
After packing away the last of the Christmas decorations today, I thought about a Christmas past when I was asked to give the homily in our church on the Sunday after Christmas, a notoriously poor attendance day. The basic theme of my "message" was this: We can't pack...
Crime Lab Supervisor
Today, I played golf with a man who served as a supervisor in a major state police crime lab. Between searching for my errant shots, I asked him about his work and told him some things about the Stacey Burns murder. He was astounded that so much information has...
Another Christmas Wish-The Planet Parking Lot
In 2012, I posted a Christmas wish that the Stacey Burns murder case would be solved within a year. Astoundingly, that was three years ago! What a disgraceful shame. Here is my new Christmas wish. I wish that all human beings would adopt the civility that is...
Making a Difference
Yesterday, my personal essay, "Three Weeks", was awarded first place in the Society of Southwestern Authors writing contest in the memoir/non0fiction category. This award includes a cash prize and publication of the work in The Story Teller. As I reread the story,...
I.C.A.C. (In case anyone cares)
I.C.A.C. (in case anyone cares) was the flippant title I originally assigned to my memoir (more of an autobiography) about growing up with a "Greatest Generation" father. Perhaps it would be more fitting for the following project. My very smart and insightful friend,...
On losing a sibling . . .
My hiatus from posting on this blog was due to my youngest sister's serious health issues, which resulted in her death this past week. I was able to visit with her in Tampa last Tuesday for a couple of hours. She died about thirty hours later. Death of a loved one, no...
Surprised, not disappointed . . .
The photos were taken at my program yesterday at the Joyner Library in Green Valley. It was a good crowd. For a long time, as I've observed human nature at its worst, I've become...
Happy Thanksgiving, Stacey!
This is the sixth Thanksgiving that the family of Stacey Burns sat around a dinner table without her. I can't imagine the grief and sadness which must grip that family all the time, let alone on special holiday occasions. We can only hope that her name was mentioned...
Library program
I'm hoping for a good turnout for my program at the Joyner/Green Valley Library on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 from 2-3 P.M. The program will be light and will look at some of the questions I've been asked during many previous presentations. For example, there are some...
Evil People-One in a million?
"It doesn't matter that most people are basically good. What matters is that we have more than enough bad folks to wreak havoc with all their good intentions." Henry Bouchard, a semi-villain in my book, Live Free or Die, says this and tells anyone who will listen that...
Reconciliation: Degrees of truth-Stacey Burns murder style
Are there "degrees of truth?" Some have heard be speak about this before but it is a very important question, especially in the Stacey Burns murder case.. In the last month (as of today, 11/13/15) I've found it necessary to once again try to figure this out. When...
Literary program
My local friends and colleagues may be interested in coming to this program on Tuesday, December 1. I'll be addressing some of the most interesting questions about writing and writers I've been asked over the years during previous programs. Please plan on attending-...