Backstory

Who is this Boilard guy?

To paraphrase Bones McCoy, I’m just a humble country doctor. And by “doctor” I don’t actually mean I have any medical expertise; instead, my doctoral training is in Soviet foreign policy–a field that evaporated when the Soviet Union collapsed in 1992. This happened to be the same year I received my doctorate. Hence, the “humble” part.

As for the “country” part, I live on a small ranch in the Sierra Nevada foothills with four horses, wild turkeys and deer, and occasional invasions by the neighbor’s goats and alpacas. So there’s that.

My working life has always centered on writing and analysis (except for that short stint painting house numbers on curbs). In 2017 I retired from the Center for California Studies, and since then I’ve been writing this blog and a number of books.

What’s the blog?

The blog, Chasing Phantoms, is primarily a chronicle of my road trips to small towns throughout California and beyond. It’s remarkable how many forgotten towns, historical remnants, and natural oddities are still waiting to be discovered, even by a long-in-the-tooth native Californian like myself. The blog is my way of sharing my discoveries with you, through words and pictures. And usually with a beer review at the end of each day.

Each October I hijack the blog to indulge Halloween-related passions. But for the most part, this blog is a journal about my travels and discoveries.

What about the books?

My books, which are presented here, are somewhat varied in style and substance, but I’m confident you’ll find them all to be entertaining and thought-provoking. These include my memoir, several installments of my Poe Trilogy, and my first novel, Sundial in the Shade.

Questions?

I’m always happy to get feedback and suggestions. Email me!