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myself working in the film, TV, or journalism industry. I instantly took a liking to archives. While working in the UT archives, author James A. Michener had a temporary office in our building while he was doing his research for “Texas.” I delivered books to his office regularly. I met many writers and historians in my years there.

Share an interesting untold story from the archives.

Well, for example, we knew Sam Houston was married several times and had marital troubles, but why? There are hints in some of the letters between Sam and his last wife. Turns out in the Creek Indian War he got an arrow in his groin and the wound never quite healed. Eww. Now that might put a strain on a marriage.

I’m sorry for saying it wasn’t cool — beginning to see things differently. Now can you tell us more about this magazine you started when you were a teenager?

My budding journalism career, yes, this started just before the Austin Chronicle. The only music reporting was the Austin American Statesman and it was pretty sanitized. My fanzine, Xiphoid Process, was Xeroxed and stapled; one side effect was that it did get me into clubs underage so I could cover the bands. Note: He donated a set to Texas State University library.

Did you ever seek advice from Lester Bangs, like the kid in “Almost Famous”? Actually I did meet Lester in Austin. He guest edited an issue.

What? Are you kidding? I was kidding. No he did. I mean we weren’t best friends or anything, but he liked talking to people, especially about music history. He was so, so nice to me. I published one of his poems.

What’s the best punk band you covered?

I’d say both Black Flag and Minor Threat. They both gave great interviews.

You did not ultimately become a journalist, but you’ve written a lot, right?

I do write. I’ve published articles on archives, photography, music, Texas history, author or co-author on multiple Arcadia Images of America series books including “Historic Dallas Parks,” “Lost Austin,”

Historical archives might not be sexy or are they?

“Dealey Plaza” and “John F. Kennedy Sites in Dallas-Fort Worth.” And co-authored, with Kaye Lannin Minchew, “Managing Local Government Archives.” That last one makes “Gone With the Wind” look like a comic book [chuckle].

Will you maybe make a documentary sometime?

I am an extreme movie lover and really interested in how films are made. My father taught the adaptation of books to film. But making movies is — I’ve watched friends I know in the industry — it is so difficult in so many ways. But, who knows?

What was the most influential film of your youth, the one that made you appreciate the craft?

Oh, “Aguirre, the Wrath of God” by Werner Herzog. It’s one of the most visually arresting I could watch it over and over.

You recently moved to Lake Highlands, which is really different from where you lived, Oak Cliff, historically speaking, for one thing …

Yes, we are near the Merriman Park area. I like the diversity of Lake Highlands, and I like that you see that in the schools

I have twins who will be in school in a few years. As for its history, I have not dug into Lake Highlands much yet. It’s definitely on my list.

We will check back with you once you have.

Questions and answers have been edited for brevity and clarity.