Release Date

Well, I've signed the contract and we're getting closer. I've been quite negligent regarding posting here, but do have good news. My book, now titled Fire Men: Stories From Three Generations of a Firefighting Family will be released on May 1st by Tribute books. The last many months have been filled with editing and the selection of pictures. Now, everything on my end is done. April will be a long month of waiting.........

Querying Update

Late May and early June were disappointing. Many queries sent, with few responses, and fewer requests for submission. One request for a "full" manuscript, which I am still waiting to hear on. The last few weeks, however, activity seems to have picked up. More requests for partial submissions and one request for a book proposal (subsequently turned down, though with nice comments). Yesterday, an agent responded to a query within five minutes, requesting a full manuscript. I am more excited about the overall uptick in requests rather than any individual one. Afterall, you gotta keep bait in the water to catch fish.

New Article in Connections Magazine

My article on Scuba Diving in northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA as it is known locally) is in the July issue of Connections Magazine. If diving is something you've ever thought about, take a look......
http://www.connections-magazine.com/Issue_PDFs/july10/CMJuly10-DiveIn.pdf

Thy Kingdom Come

I just finished this great thriller by Don Helin, a terrific Pennwriter I met at the recent conference. For those that enjoy thrillers, Don is right up there with Vince Flynn and Brad Thor. His main character, Colonel Sam Thorpe, is certainly sequel material. The Pennsylvania connections with the book are authentic and add much to the flavor of the story. Highly recommended.
www.donhelin.com

The Wonderful World of Querying

Back in the wonderful world of querying. Some "not interested" responses come in a day; some never arrive, depending upon the agent of editor's policies. The good news is that early last week one editor requested a full manuscript, so now the trepidation and tingling in my neck has increased by an order of magnitude each time I open up to look at e-mail, hoping for good news. I'm trying not to get my hopes up, but hell, the publishers have to buy somebody's book. Might as well be mine!

Back in the Saddle!

I recently returned from the Pennwriters conference in Lancaster, reenergized; my creative juices flowing again. The sessions were great; not only educational, but motivational, at least for me.

The recent career change of my agent, orphaning me, as it were, was a bit depressing, but the positive atmosphere of the conference and new querying possibilities have to belooked upon as opportunities. One way or another, Keep Back 200 Feet: A Three Generation View From the Rear Step will be published.

The answer I'm looking for might come tomorrow, next week, or next month, but it will come. One way or another........

New "Connections" Article

My newest article came out today in "Connections" magazine. As usual, the graphics folks did a great job.
http://www.connections-magazine.com/Issue_PDFs/nov09/CMNov09-WEB.pdf