There’s one day that never gets old no matter how many times I experience it. On Wednesday, I opened the door to the UPS man. While I chased down the puppy who has now learned to master stairs, I chatted with him about dogs and such. I really didn’t pay attention to the box until I got back inside, one arm around the dog, and the other around the box.

I opened it, and to my surprise, it was my copies of the Boucher biography. There’s no other sensation in life like seeing your brand…

Last week, I shared that Ellery had hit his head on the bedframe last week and given himself a concussion. His condition improved for a few days, and then stopped. We took him back to the vet, only to learn that his balance problems had been caused by cancer. X-rays showed that he had bone cancer, which had mestastisized into his brain. The poor sweety was in a great deal of pain, and with a very heavy heart, we had him put to sleep on New Year’s Eve.

Needless to say, we’re…

I'm curently editing Intent to Sell for its third edition. Things have changed a lot since I first wrote the book back in 2001. The marketing landscape has changed drastically. I find these days that many authors are already doing many of the babystep things that I suggest in the first chapters of the book. I'm glad to see that. It raises the bar for professionalism in the field.

I'm also amazed at the technology which had developed in 7 years. Book trailers, podcasts, audio, and RSS…

Yes, it can be done.

The math teacher (aka me) is going to teach a writing lesson on detective stories to my 8th graders! For all of those who have said that it can’t be done, it is being done. They’re enjoying the lesson, which is all about having a mystery that is based in part of probability. They have to have a sleuth and a Watson, so that they can explain the probability situation to the Watson. If some of the stories are good, I am going to try to put a book of them together for…

Well, it only took me 30 years and we won't mention how many dollars, but I've done it. As of today, I'm the proud owner of an American 1st edition of every Agatha Christie published. What started out as a nice way to read books, back in the 70s when hardcovers were only a few bucks, grew into a collection. I was probably 5 years and 25 books into the project before I even thought of it as one.

Many of my collections got my start back then. Craig Rice, Ellery Queen, my Van Dines, and…

Well, now that Boucher book is turned in, I'm back to square one on trying to find a new subject for a biography. It's been something of a back and forth process to find someone with enough available personal data to write an entire book, a willing estate, and a person who hasn't been written about in the past.

In the course of looking though, I feel my addiction coming back. I love research! I love being able to get lost in the many details of times gone by and the myriad resources…

Having just finished the biography, I took a few days respite this past week. It was spring break, and I’m not likely to show up in a guys gone wild video, so I decided to just spend the time at home and catch up on my reading. I ended up reading almost a book a day, which is heaven to me. I have a new recliner and I propped my feet up with good books.

I think that so many authors are also ravenous readers as well. Most authors find joy in the written word as do I. And most mystery…

Well, I’m done with the Boucher book. Finished, completed, done, over and out. The files are ready to be printed and sent off for the laborious process of making it a book. I’m still getting used to the feeling. It’s a bit odd to be without the book after so long.

I’ve found myself wandering around the house a lot today. Going into a room and forgetting what I came in for. I’m sure I’ll adjust to non-deadline time again shortly, but for the moment, I’m feeling a bit guilty about not…

Well, I'm done with the Boucher book. Finished, completed, done, over and out. The files are ready to be printed and sent off for the laborious process of making it a book. I'm still getting used to the feeling. It's a bit odd to be without the book after so long.

I've found myself wandering around the house a lot today. Going into a room and forgetting what I came in for. I'm sure I'll adjust to non-deadline time again shortly, but for the moment, I'm feeling a bit guilty about not…

Well, today is my last trip to Indiana University for the biography. I'm nearly done with the writing, and I'm editing like a mad man. Only 2 weeks left until it's due.

I'm feeling a bit sad to be saying good-bye to Anthony Boucher. He's been an interesting part of my life for the past 4 years, and I'm feeling a bit lonely now that I won't be spending time with him.

Normally when I finish writing a book, there's a time afterwards when I feel a bit blue and slightly lost. I call…