Greetings!

Can someone tell me how another eight months has managed to fly by since I last penned my ever-fascinating and poignant – if not verbose – newsletter?

Is it because time flies when you are having fun?

Could be… could be.

These have been busy days spent writing and photographing, meeting and greeting, whining and dining – I mean wining and dining – and living the life of a freelance writer, novelist and photographer.

But now it is time to move on, and I have some good news and some not-so-good news. My friend and mentor, novelist Patricia Behnke, is leaving her position as Editor-in-Chief with Tower Publications, having accepted a job with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission in Tallahassee (good news for Pat, bad news for Tower).

Pat has been instrumental to my writing career. Two years ago she gave me the opportunity to write for Tower Publications. If not for her help and guidance I might very well be standing in the grocery aisle asking, "Paper or plastic?" I most assuredly would not be flying loop-d-loops in World War II airplanes and getting paid to do so (see story here: http://www.seniortimesmagazine.com/ ).

Because of Pat's encouragement and trust, I am now an award-winning photographer whose articles are read by thousands of people. (Senior Times and Our Town Magazines have a combined circulation of 87,500 plus).

Thank you Pat, for everything! You will be greatly missed.

Now for the good news: (drum roll, please)I have accepted the position of Editor-in-Chief for Tower Publications!

With this title comes new challenges and opportunity, and I look forward with great anticipation to this next stage in my career. I will still be writing, although not quite as much as before, as my new responsibilities will keep me quite occupied.

For those of you curious about my sequel, I still plan to complete it by year's end (that doesn't mean it will be published by then) and I am this >< close to wrapping it up.

In closing, I would be remiss in my duties if I did not mention that I am eternally grateful to my mom and my dear wife. Both have supported me through thick and thin, especially during those early days when my pay was miniscule and my mood less than jovial. Without their unwavering belief in me I would not have been able to appreciate and embrace the last two years of freelance writing and photography.

So, my friends, send your positive thoughts my way and keep on reading!

Sincerely,
Albert

P.S. Drop me an email and tell me what's up – I look forward to hearing from you!