Tom Morrison speaks at Noble Horizons

Tom Morrison speaks at Noble Horizons

Author Tom Morrison, left, and former Lakeville Journal executive editor Cynthia Hochswender discussed Morrison's newest novel, "Who Put the Bots in The Tort$?" at Noble Horizons Wednesday, Nov. 20.

Patrick L. Sullivan

Author Tom Morrison provided some insight into the creative process behind his series of legal farces at a talk and book signing at Noble Horizons Wednesday, Nov. 20.

Morrison was interviewed by former Lakeville Journal executive editor Cynthia Hochswender about his latest novel, “Who Put the Bots in The Tort$?” and his interest in writing fiction after a 50-year legal career.

Morrison said he wrote a “spy novel” (his emphasis) when he was in the Air Force after law school.

He didn’t know anything about espionage and the manuscript “never saw the light of day.”

Many years later, as he contemplated his retirement, the idea of writing fiction became appealing again.

Only this time he decided to write about something he knew about — lawyers.

Hochswender asked if he had to train himself “not to write a lawyer.”

Morrison said he took some pride in developing a clear and concise writing style during his legal career.

“Tell a story that the judge and jury can understand.”

He said most of his colleagues appreciated his legal writing style, except one “curmudgeon” who referred to it as “Morrison Newsweek style.”

“I took that as a compliment.”

Asked if he uses an editor for his fiction, Morrison said no.

He writes the first draft in pencil on legal pads, and then edits once the manuscript is typed into a computer.

He does have someone who performs copy editing tasks for him.

Hochswender asked about finding an agent and publisher.

Morrison said after he finished the first of the four legal novels, he spent a year sending out inquiries to agents, with no luck.

He then took it to a small publisher he once represented, and they agreed to publish it.

Asked about writers he finds inspiring, Morrison said Joseph Heller’s “Catch 22” made a deep impression on him.

He was amazed by the book’s energy. “Every page was dripping with parody and satire.”

“I’m trying to do to the legal profession what Heller did to the Army Air Corps.”

Latest News

GNH blanks St. Paul 34-0 in Turkey Bowl

Wes Allyn breaks away from the St. Paul defense for a reception touchdown Wednesday, Nov. 26.

Photo by Riley Klein

BRISTOL — The Gilbert/Northwestern/Housatonic co-op football team ended the season with a 34-0 shutout victory over St. Paul Catholic High School Wednesday, Nov. 26.

It was GNH’s fourth consecutive Turkey Bowl win against St. Paul and the final game for 19 GNH seniors.

Keep ReadingShow less
Students curate Katro Storm portraits at HVRHS

“Once Upon a Time in America” features ten portraits by artist Katro Storm.

Natalia Zukerman

The Kearcher-Monsell Gallery at Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village is once again host to a wonderful student-curated exhibition. “Once Upon a Time in America,” ten portraits by New Haven artist Katro Storm, opened on Nov. 20 and will run through the end of the year.

“This is our first show of the year,” said senior student Alex Wilbur, the current head intern who oversees the student-run gallery. “I inherited the position last year from Elinor Wolgemuth. It’s been really amazing to take charge and see this through.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Mini horses, big impact: animal learning center opens in Sheffield

Le Petit Ranch offers animal-assisted therapy and learning programs for children and seniors in Sheffield.

Marjorie Borreda

Le Petit Ranch, a nonprofit offering animal-assisted therapy and learning programs, opened in April at 147 Bears Den Road in Sheffield. Founded by Marjorie Borreda, the center provides programs for children, families and seniors using miniature horses, rescued greyhounds, guinea pigs and chickens.

Borreda, who moved to Sheffield with her husband, Mitch Moulton, and their two children to be closer to his family, has transformed her longtime love of animals into her career. She completed certifications in animal-assisted therapy and coaching in 2023, along with coursework in psychiatry, psychology, literacy and veterinary skills.

Keep ReadingShow less