In May, 2008, I took the Buddhist Precepts at Still Point Zen Buddhist Temple in Detroit. There, I was given the Buddhist name, “DoHaeng” which means “Way of Action.”
We refer to our Buddhist name as our temple name. Because Zen has had an influence on my writing since back in the 1980’s when I discovered Natalie Goldberg’s classic book, Writing Down the Bones, I am also using it here as an identity to distinguish this Michael Kitchen from others, such as the British Actor and star of “Foyle’s War,” the retired NHL hockey player and former NHL coach, the retired Police Chief of Ferndale, and another Michigan writer I met a few years ago at a conference.
I was raised in Plymouth, Michigan and am currently residing in Macomb County. Married since 1982, I am the father of two grown children, grandfather of seven (the first six coming into my life within the period of one year). I have two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels named Harvey and Ace (though I call into question the accuracy of Ace’s breed), and two Russian tortoises – Uma & Mariska.
I am taking that step from lawyer to semi-retired lawyer to step into full time writing. This decision was made on my 63rd birthday in November, 2025. I realized that I had been practicing law since 2008, which amounts to 17 years. At 63, 17 years into the future would make me 80 years old. How much of the next 17 years do I want to practice law vs practice writing? Significantly more of the latter.
What will I be writing?
Short stories, novels, essays, creative nonfiction, haiku, haiga.
What are my interests?
Buddhism, Soccer (Detroit City FC), Hockey (Detroit Vipers), Photography, Animals, Books, Book Stores, Comic Books/Graphic Novels, Analog Living, Nostalgia.
Two of my longest running projects are:
1. The Unofficial Detroit City FC Digital History (HERE and on FACEBOOK.) I would recommend the Facebook page as that is where everything is up to date. I have fallen behind on the match pages on the History website, though I am keeping current the STATS section.
2. The Peanut Ledge Cafe on FACEBOOK
MOTOWN WRITERS NETWORK 11-25-15 INTERVIEW.
APRIL 24, 2019 INTERVIEW ON 4:51 PODCAST.
DoHaeng Michael Kitchen 