I have had the distinct pleasure of meeting with numerous book clubs since Charlie was released. Each has been an enjoyable and stimulating experience. This past weekend, I was invited to a group that did something very different. They searched the foods that appeared in Charlie No Face and then made them for dinner. It was an eclectic combination! That included macaroni and cheese with Saltine crackers crumbled on top. I enjoyed a banana Popsicle, Cracker Jacks, and a root beer float. We had great conversation, made all the more delightful by the fact that we were sitting on a small, sandy beach at Lake Ontario.
I continue to be busy promoting Charlie. I have readings scheduled into next spring. Recently I learned from my publisher that Charlie No Face is their best selling book. My first reaction was “Hooray!” followed quickly by my second reaction which was - - - “Wait a minute; if my novel is their best seller, are they going bankrupt?” Charlie has sold steadily and readers have been enthusiastic and complementary, but it isn’t threatening to make any best seller lists, that’s for sure.
I have finished Chimney Bluffs, which is to say I’ve completed writing and editing. (My wife was the first reader and she feels it’s better than Charlie. It grabs the reader more quickly and has greater depth.) I will send it to a freelance editor who did a great job on Charlie. In the meantime I have sent queries to book agents who had showed interest in Charlie No Face to see if they might be interested in reading some of Chimney Bluffs. Each agent is a little different in terms of what they want but generally you send a brief email with a synopsis and your bio. Some want you to include 1 - 5 chapters with the query. Others don’t want anything until they ask for it. So far, one has showed interest and will read what I have sent (the first chapter). Commonly agents don’t respond at all. Or they respond in a cursory manner. The same day I sent a query to one agent, she responded, “No, thank you.” This is the thick skin part of writing.
I think that sometime in the fall, I will end up sending Chimney Bluffs to my current publisher - - - Savant Books and Publications - - - since they are interested in publishing it.
In the meantime, I am gathering notes and doing some research for my next novel. No title yet. More to come.

Dave