Welcome
Thank you for checking out my writing. Poetry and prose are where we can get personal. In journalism and technical writing, I never write in the first person point of view. But in creative writing, I often speak in the first person, regardless of whether the story actually happened to me. Both writer and reader have the opportunity to explore a wide range of thoughts and feelings — without judgment.
Published Works: MillardWoods (tm)
"Volants"
Volants, (c) 2019, a novel by Millard Woods. Available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle eBook.
"Wingspan Greater Than Height"
Wingspan > Height, (c) 2019, 70 pages containing 32 original poems by Millard Woods. Available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle eBook.
Volants
21st Century Mythology
My first fiction novel is a bit hard to describe, but I'll try: a philosophical, romantic, science fiction sex fantasy with drama, wit and poetry (from 'Wingspan"). This book is written for and about adults —both sex and nudity are themes — but it is far from X rated.
In this 21st-century allegory, a man, a woman and their unusual friends suddenly find themselves in a strange new reality that can change drastically from day to day.
This story has fun references to Homer, Dante, Shakespeare and more, but the story is completely original, and the witty dialog makes it easy reading. The themes are as modern as today's love relationships and the world's latest scientific theories about the universe and reality.
Once you start reading, you may laugh, you may cry, but you won't put it down.
Reader Reviews:
"Not A Dull Moment
I generally don't read fantasy or science fiction, but I enjoyed this book. It was easy to read, the characters seemed plausible, and the interaction between the main character and the Volants was intriguing. The story, which operates on multiple levels, deals with discrimination against "others", issues surrounding nudity, romance, self-awareness and the quest for meaning in life and love. The story is also just plain fun. I hope there is a sequel." - B. Wallace
"A real treat. I couldn't put it down." - A. Tillinghast
"A page turner." - D. Sanderling
Available Now On Amazon
My books are easily acquired on Amazon as paperbacks and via Kindle (electronic books). Press the button below or search "Millard Woods" on Amazon.com today. If you find only my 'Wingspan' book, you can see 'Volants' by searching 'other works by this author'.
Volant Trivia
Who Does Not 'Love Moderately'?
Maya . . . and Juliet, of course.
What Should We Be Afraid Of Besides Cassowaries?
Feds, brazen bulls, interstellar travelers . . . Jabberwocks.
Is There A Difference Between A Nudist And An Exhibitionist?
Three characters would say yes.
Could Space or Time Travelers Alter The Future?
Some astrophysicists believe they can only alter the future in minor ways. (Let's hope they are right.)
Wingspan > Height: 32 Poem Collection
(Pronounced: "Wingspan Greater Than Height")
My collection is 70 pages of brand new poetry, touching on a wide variety of subjects from romance to social issues, from heartbreak to the supernatural. In these poems, I used writing styles that were sometimes very different. Also, in some poems, I employed classical literary references. In these times, I believe we all need some new mythology to inspire us, and I find it especially enjoyable when I can reference old mythology. But these poems are modern, readable, and relatable.
A stanza from: "Horse's Head"
It isn't just that we are through
It's that you're back to being you
The hot-to-trot thing that I fell for
Now my heart is trapped in hell for
A stanza from: "Blackbird In The Rain"
I am that seer, that mystic, that sage
I am much freer than a bird in a cage
A stanza from: "Breath, Circulation, Fear and Hope"
And if their blood flows out their veins
If love leaks out into the drains
A loss so great even gods cannot abate
Their scorched visages croak for rain
Poems
A Beginning
Anthropophobia
Apparition
As Morning Gives Way To Evening
Blackbird In The Rain
The Brazen Bull
Breath, Circulation, Fear and Hope
Broken Down
Business Materials
Carousel
Christmasy
Comfort In the Way She Sings
Dusty
First Rung Of Hades
Flowers On The Floor
Homeostatis
Horse’s Head
Journal de la Semaine
Lightning Rod
Long And Happy
Lost In The Storm
Mean Green
Milepost 42
Moving, Not Clever
No Hero’s Journey
Quiet Goodbyes
Raven
Resources
Seeker After Summer
Selling With Sex
Why I Took So Long
Wingspan Greater Than Height
'Wingspan' In Paperback And Kindle
Rhyme & Rhythm
I think rhyme and meter make poetry more entertaining. Most of my poems employ classic forms of meter, and I employ various rhyme schemes. But the rhythm won't get monotonous. I like to mix things up.
'Classic poetry' is not about using 'thee' and 'thou' and words from Old English! Using ordinary language of today, a poet can make a poem rhythmic and interesting. As for rhyming? Yes, that is the icing on the cake. Enjoy.
Poetry Is Personal
Poetry Excerpt
From 'Wingspan' Poetry Collection
Poetry Excerpt
Although we are the titans of our time
From 'Wingspan' Poetry Collection
Poetry Excerpt
Our lives can smoke and char
and crumble black
From 'Wingspan' Poetry Collection
From 'Wingspan' Poetry Collection
From 'Wingspan' Poetry Collection
Our wingspan
firm and greater than our height
can burn or break
our hearts can fall and crack
What's Inside There?
Woods Words
Yeah, I Invented And Used 'Em
· “septagon” – noun (note: sept = 7 in French), kind of like a heptagon
· “zombied” – verb, past tense
· “crazine” – noun meaning crazy canine or feline
· “mesmer on” – verb meaning: to go around in a constant trance or state of indecision.
· “peccable” – adjective meaning the opposite of impeccable.
Quotable - Who Said This In 'Volants' ?
"You'll never hear someone brag that they're as free as a dog."
"Citius, altius, fortius? How about twenty-us, thirty-us, forty-us!"
"A woman just wants to know that she could have if she had wanted to."
Photo Gallery
