HE WROTE: Moot Alive

Jenny and I were just emailing and talking about the book tour. I said that it's likely only one of us was coming back alive and she asked which one.

I said "Moot."

We're both stressed about this. That's being honest. It's a gamble, which all of publishing is.

I've been writing for a living for 16 years, which for a mid-list author is about unheard of.

Of course a 'living' was initially living in a one room, unheated apartment above a garage for a couple of years. And taking 90 day active duty offers when they came by, even if it meant traveling to un-friendly places.

Also, driving about 40,000 miles a year to military PX's where I'd set up my two card tables, throw a camouflage poncho liner over them (much like the poncho liner we just wrote into Agnes), and hang a big sign with a Special Force patch (teal blue arrowhead, upturned dagger, three lightning bolts-- representing three ways of infiltration: air, land and sea) on it with BOOKSIGNING painted on it in big letters. I'd sit about 12-14 hours there selling remainders of my early hardcovers on consignment while I wrote on my laptop.

Most people would ask me where the bath-room was.

It was sort of like me with Rex at the outdoor Harbourtown Bar. Not many people approached me. 20 books sold was a good day. Shoulda brought Rex. At least the waitresses would have brought him water.

Where was I?

Oh-- overnight success.

Not.

I figure the odds are 50-50 with this, although St. Martins is solidly behind Agnes. Which so far is kick-ass.

It's the Entertainment Business which is an oxymoron much like Military Intelligence.

Emotion and Logic colliding. Makes no sense.

Much like us.