Update: Personal and Writerly

Since before Thanksgiving, my dad has been in the hospital for what turned out to be a serious heart problem. It all culminated 4 weeks ago when he had quadruple bypass surgery. The post-surgery progress has been slow, and he was moved to a rehab facility late last week. It has been a stressful time for everyone involved, especially my mother. Both the hospital and the rehab are in Boston, which presents its own set of challeneges in terms of getting there from the suburbs where everyone lives. We're told his recovery process will move faster now that he is gettting specialized rehab. So, I'm very thankful he is still with us and things are going okay so far.

In other, less important news, I'm attending a Local Author event at the Nashua (New Hampshire) Public Library tomorrow night. There are about 20 authors attending, and it is very popular from what I'm told. The authors that will be there are a nice mix across many genres and I'm looking forward to meeeting them as well as the attendees. I'm also excited to be able to inform others about the great writers and blogs that I read and follow.

Don Cornelius : RIP

SOUL TRAIN host Don Cornelius passed away last week (shot himself). I've watched many an episode of ST over the years and love him, or hate him, Dandy Don knew how to dress, and deserves a place in the pioneer catagory of television programming.

Here's Don's way chilly signoff at the end of each episode:

"... and you can bet your last money, it's all gonna be a stone gas, honey! I'm Don Cornelius, and as always in parting, we wish you love, peace and soul!"

Ian Ayris Times Two

I have had the pleasure of gettting to know (virtually) Ian Ayris over the last year or so, and besides being a very talented writer, he seems like a good guy. That counts a lot with me. Even if you wrote the best novel ever, if you come off as a dick, or dickette(?) I'm not going to read your work. Sorry to offend, but learn some manners, respond to comments if others take the time to read your stories or comment on your good news, and maybe, just maybe, take some time away from the self-promo, to give other's writing a try.

Anyway...I am really stoked to hear that Ian's novel ABIDE WITH ME has been released early, and just as pleased to let you know that his crime / noir short story collection UNCLE MILDRED is also available for purchase. Most important, is the fact that all proceeds from sales of UNCLE MILDRED are being donated to Cancer Research UK and The Breast Cancer Charities of America.

WELL DONE IAN!!!!

If you want to to have a look, and perhaps get yourself a copy of either, or both:

ABIDE WITH ME can be found on Amazon US HERE and UK HERE

UNCLE MILDRED can be found on Amazon US HERE and UK HERE

Have a great weekend everyone!