Eric Smith

Jun 2, 2024 | ericsmithwriter.com | Eric Smith

Welcome to another installment of an occasional series I call “Beer Break.” Rather than diving deeply into another object of my fanaticism, I instead kick back with a beer (or several) and write briefly about something I love without exhaustively explaining why. It’s a pause, a respite, a recess from the time and energy I typically spend on these entries.

May 18, 2024 | ericsmithwriter.com | Eric Smith

“It was my fate, my destiny, my end, to be a fan.” —Frederick Exley Inspired by “A Fan’s Notes”—Exley’s “fictional memoir” published in 1968—this blog explores the everyday objects of my own fandom, from beer to books, from music to sports, from outdoor adventures to travel destinations, and much more.

May 18, 2024 | ericsmithwriter.com | Eric Smith

“No man but a blockhead ever wrote, except for money.” –Samuel Johnson As someone who has been a professional writer for 25 years, I mostly agree with Dr. Johnson’s statement that only a blockhead would spend time and energy writing without pay. What does that say about me now? I don’t make a dime off “A Fan’s Notes.” Plus, I pay to maintain this website, so this blog loses money.

May 10, 2024 | ericsmithwriter.com | Eric Smith

From 2008 to 2014, I worked as a business reporter and editor for The Daily News in Memphis. My beats included logistics, real estate and sports business, which I covered for several years before taking an editing position. I held both roles in an era when newsrooms grew increasingly dependent on digital resources, yet when it came to reference books needed for the job, like dictionaries and stylebooks, I maintained a penchant for print. A penchant that’s endured.

Mar 21, 2024 | ericsmithwriter.com | Eric Smith

After writing five blogs about some of my favorite things—a book, a band, a poem, a team and a film—it was time for a break. Rather than diving deeply into another object of fandom, I thought I’d kick back with a beer (or several) and write briefly about something I love without exhaustively explaining why. This is the first in an occasional series I’m calling “Beer Break.” It’s a pause, a respite, a recess from the time and energy I typically spend on these entries.