It’s my wife’s birthday. Yay!

Hey, as you’re doing your Christmas shopping, consider hitting a few independent book stores. They could use the business. Two of my favorites: Centuries and Sleuths, a history and mystery book store in Forest Park. 7419 W. Madison St., Forest Park, IL 60130 (708) 771-7243 The Bookcellar, a small bookstore with a cafe in beautiful Lincoln Square. [...]

Kathy and the girls were away in Michigan this weekend - left Thursday morning and coming back today. I had to work Friday and someone had to watch the dog, so I stayed home. I did insane things like go to bed at 8:30 pm, balance the checkbook and read a novel. The highlight - Saturday [...]

Just heard about a New Jersey Wal-Mart temp worker who was trampled to death when they openned the doors this morning. I just don’t get it. Here’s an alternative to the madness - go to a bookstore ( preferrably an independant one) and do some shopping there. These stores can really use the help, and it’s [...]

Echelon Press is having a bit of a sale - a chance for a free gift card if you buy a book before December 19. So if you’ve been holding back, now is a good time to buy Cash & Carry!

So it’s been a while since we’ve had one of these. Usually, when Mom is at bookclub or something, we go out and get films that are - shall we say - less than beautiful. But this time, she’ll be with us so it looks like she’s going to sit through either “The Mummy” or “Hellboy.”

One thing that drives small-press publishers nuts is when someone asks - derisively - whether they’re a “Print-on-Demand” publisher.

Bubs stopped by in the thread below and asked about my knee. Thanks Bubs! Actually, it’s doing pretty good. Problem is, the same travel and workload that kept me from updating my latest story also kept me from doing something rather important: Physical therapy. I know, really stupid. Still, I did a lot of walking and stretching [...]

Paul Pate had to put aside his excellent series, Detective Perez, for a while as life got in the way - as it so often does. But he’s back and I recommend you go back and check this cool cartoon out.

Finally! The kids have been working on seventh-grade science projects, my wife has been working on writing and re-connecting with friends on Facebook. I’ve been swamped at work due to the election and doing a lot of travel. That left me about enough time to do work around the house. I haven’t even had a chance [...]