Author: Buzz Proffit

The Archive and the Body

This excerpt is from my new braided memoir–historical fiction novella, A Name Unbroken: The Archive and the Body, which will be published in 2026. The work shifts between the court records of the Salem witch trials and moments from my own life, illustrating how accusation, silence, and survival leave their marks over centuries. Before I… Continue reading The Archive and the Body

Book Giveaway

Enter to win one of ten signed copies of my new novel, The Object of His Affection—a captivating story of love, music, ambition, and rivalry! This Goodreads Giveaway runs from October 17 through November 7, 2024. Goodreads Book Giveaway The Object of His Affection by Donald Proffit Giveaway ends November 07, 2024. See the giveaway… Continue reading Book Giveaway

13 Ways of Looking at a Piano

Collection of four piano keyboards with metal curve frames, isolated on white background. Photography and 3D illustration.

13 Ways of Looking at a Pianoafter Wallace StevensIAmong twenty drowsy Musicians,The only moving thingWas one hammer of the piano.III was of three minds,Like ten fingersPlaying on three pianos.IIIThe piano clinked in theAuditorium’s silence.It was a small part of thePerformance.IVA left hand and right handAre two.A left hand, a right hand and aPianoAre one.VI do… Continue reading 13 Ways of Looking at a Piano

Published
Categorized as Poem

Elektra

In this New England winter scene, the solitary maple tree is a survivor, growing around and upon the sharp staves of a black wrought iron fence in the snow.

Ich war ein schwarzer Leichnam unter Lebenden (I was a corpse among the living) I was mesmerized in the balcony as my eyes followed the suspended Sputnik chandeliers’ dreamlike ascent toward the ceiling, passing right in front of my face as their lamps gradually extinguished and the house settled in anxious darkness. I had a… Continue reading Elektra

Return to Alaska 3: Writer’s Block Bookstore & Café

After more than fifty years, I returned to Anchorage for the Alaska leg of my Hardship Alaska book tour. Special thanks go to Dawnell Smith and Vered Mares at Writer’s Block Bookstore & Café for hosting me and creating a wonderful space for book lovers and writers of all ages.