Sunday, June 19, 2016

Midsummer Eve

Hello Gentle Reader. Welcome to summmer. Officially it begins tomorrow, which means we are right on the cusp of that magic moment - for those of us in the northern hemisphere - the longest day - the shortest night. I researched a lot of the traditions around midsummer's eve for the book. Daphne's advice to Dr. Slade to wet his face in the dew caught in flowers on the morning after is real. I mean that people used to recommend that. I'm a little ashamed of the druidical kink in my thoughts. I am one of those people who toss salt over my (left) shoulder when I've gone and spilled some. I don't even like to look at the number 13 (true confession - I turn away from my microwave as it gets to the last seconds to avoid spotting it). I once drove around the block when a black cat crossed in front of my car to avoid path crossing. I mean, why take a chance, right? This is the silly, low-end thinking that is part of something grander I think: mysteries of nature that baffle and terrify and also awe us. Here's hoping your summer is magic and not scary.

London's Famous Clubs And Cabarets No. 3 (1926)

Saturday, June 4, 2016

Thank You!

Is there a reader who recognizes this scene?
If you're one of the thousands of people (wow!) who bought the book in the recent kindle sale - thanks so much.  At the risk of sounding smarmy,  I am truly honored by your time and your attention.  I hope you will like - or have already enjoyed- the book.  If not, I'm sorry to have disappointed.  At least you haven't lost much money.

If you liked the story, feel free to say so.  The book opens, as you will have noticed, with a quotation from Somerset Maugham.  Another of my favorite Maugham quotations is, "People ask for criticism but they only want praise."  I don't know who those strange creatures are, asking for criticism.  (We'll get it anyway, won't we?)  I'm along for the praise, though.

In other news, the Prize Pack (see the sidebar) has been awarded to a lady in Virginia.  She's sent me her details and I'll be packing up her goods this week.

I'm always pleased to hear from you, the nice class of people who constitute my readers.  Feel free to stop in for a chat anytime.  Thank you again.