So, the year 2000 didn't come in with an apocalypse. Just a few computer problems here and there, a few credit card systems that went down. You mean they had to actually use those old card machines to run the cards through by hand? If that's the biggest problem we face, it's OK. But what about the people who bought 30 gallons of water and a year's supply of canned goods to house in their bunker? Somewhere along the line the PC problem got confused with religious predictions of doomsday, and I picture people taking baths with the water, and starting to really enjoy the taste of Spam.

I'm more depressed by the retirement of Charles Schulz than any Y2K problem. Though is there even one article about it that didn't use the headline "Good Grief!?"

Still no snow in the Boston area, which is rather irritating. Winter has always been the time of year I don't feel guilty about staying in the house tied to my desk, writing all day. But when the weather is clear and 50 degrees, you feel as if you should be outside. I want it to snow. I want 10 inches of the white stuff. I want school cancellations and weather updates every 30 minutes. But, mostly, I want my novel published. And, this year, it will be! I know a small publisher that might be interested, but I'm looking for an agent. Many people have been asking me "what's the title," and I've been reluctant to say because titles can change in the publishing world. The tentative title is Laughter and Money. I'll keep you posted.

I picked up a copy of The Writer's Yearbook 2000 and was very surprised to find my name attached to some writing tips on page 67. It's always weird to see your name in print when you don't expect it. In magazines, in books, in the police notes section of the local paper. I've never had the latter. But when I see a quote in print, I always think I could have been more original, more wise, more pithy, more...well, just MORE in general.

That's it for now. If you want to drop me a line and let me know what you think of the site, feel free. Kudos accepted, criticism expected, and donations greatly encouraged.