Furiously Writing

I'm psyched about the breakthrough in plot for my novel, Gift of the Ancients, and every spare moment I'm working on it now. I'd love to say "done" and work on the proposal and start querying agents...

Detoxing...

I'm trying to detox from candida, and to help me stay accountable, I've started a diary. Not that I think anyone will follow on this journey, but hey, I can pretend I have an audience.

Sniff at Your Own Risk

I've always been sensitive to air fresheners, fabric softeners, scented laundry detergent -- anything with a strong odor. I have to avoid them.

Now, there's some evidence it's not just "in my head," as some folks have so nicely suggested.

A study by Ann C. Steinemann, PhD., Professor, UW College of Engineering, Civil & Environmental Engineering has revealed that many of these smell-good household items harbor dangerous, toxic chemicals.

When I first read about this, I did a search on Steinemann's name, and came up with many hits regarding this research, so it's not some untrue urban legend. Here's one article written including the information from her published paper:
[Pharmwaste] Fresh scent may hide toxic secret
You can find more if you wish to look.

Bottom line: cut back or get rid of those "nice-smelling" stinky things in your house.

Dover Post

One of the local papers did an article before my book signing. Cool, huh? And great pic of the cover!
http://www.doverpost.com/entertainment/x394023785/New-sci-fi-novel-sets-western-in-space

(Some of the information is a bit lopsided, but it's hard to make sure every tidbit is exactly right; having done a few interviews myself, I can only offer kudos to Brian Citino for this article!)

I'm on a roll!

I have gotten yet another email from a reader who likes Deuces Wild! Wow.
If this keeps up, I will have to take off my shoes to count all my fans!
w00t!

My First Book Signing

The throngs of fans flocking to my signing was awesome -- in my imagination. LOL

But it was a fun day -- I talked to several people about the publishing process, was asked how I got ideas for my stories (which is strange to me, like asking a fish how it lives in water), and even sold a few books.

And on a good note, I've gotten two emails this week from folks who've read my book and enjoyed it. Oh, yeah -- that stokes the muse!

Book Signing

Getting my book published last spring didn't feel real. Even holding it my hands felt more like I'd delved into the surreality of my own mind so much that perhaps I could feel my own fantasy creations in the so-called real world.

Well, the real world is slowly seeping into my brain. I feel a little more like a "real author" now that I have started to schedule book signings. My first is this coming Saturday, 9 August, from noon to 5 p.m. at Waldenbooks in the Dover Mall, Dover Delaware.

For the three or so people that read my blog, I doubt you'll be in the area, but if so, drop in.