July 21, 2004
In 12 hours, I'll be sitting at the airport with a sore back and I'll be wondering, "Did I really need to pack all that promotional stuff?" The answer, of course, is yes - if you see it. Wait!!! Before you click the link, you should know it's a PDF file. But it's a really cool PDF.

As the Jackson 5 once sang, I'm goin' back to Indiana cuz that's where my baby's from. In this case, I don't actually have a baby, literal or otherwise, but I have a lot of memories. And I'm going back a star (in the making). My ego is sufficiently fueled by Won't Get Fooled Again artwork produced by my friend, Jeff. Holy crap, my book is going to look as good as it reads.

July 22, 2004
I love Indiana. I stepped off the airplane and the enormous sky of the Midwest opened up to embrace me. Yesterday in PA, I dropped my PDF file and gave as explicit instructions as I could, but I had a gut feeling that the clerk didn't understand what I wanted so I went back a second time just to make sure - and I asked him to make me a copy just so I could make sure (he refused). My gut was right, but I ended up with 50 11x17 Won't Get Fooled Again posters for free. Unfortunately, I wanted newsletters, not posters. At the copy place in Indiana, the dude immediately formatted my job correctly and he wouldn't let me leave UNTIL he printed up a sample copy. I asked him to marry me.

I've only run a whole mile once in my life. In Indiana.

Oops. I mean twice. In Indiana!!!

And, did I mention the KISS Expo?

July 23, 2004
My legs are like rubberbands tonight. And not in a good way. I thought I'd loosen up after last night's record-setting (for me anyway) run by walk/running 3 miles this afternoon. I tried some exercise tonight, also, but I just don't seem to be learning my lesson.

My book fliers are ready to go and I had a heart-to-heart with someone directly related to my novel tonight. There are only a few wild cards left in pre-publication right now, and my conversation put one big one to rest. When the Expo is over, my next task will be to focus fully on my copyright acquisitions. Once that's in the bag, the God of Thunder is the only thing that stands in my way.

July 24, 2004
Indiana KISS people are friendly and supportive, just like Indiana people in general. The vibe is not all that different from the one in Baltimore, which I've come to think of as my KISSfiction home city. I'm also back on track with Gym, who's worked me over 3 days in a row now.

July 25, 2004
What a lame entry last night, for such a fantastic day. Surreal, utopian, utterly rock 'n' roll. The bands were hot; the performers generous. Today was full of the arduous task of hot tubbing and napping. I didn't get to see any of Indiana that wasn't in the direct path from my bedroom to the brunch buffet. I'm packed and ready to jet out of here tomorrow, albeit with some sense of melancholy. Luckily, I've loaded my bags with memories of sweet dreams, new friends and renewed affection for KISSing.

July 26, 2004
I flew home tonight and immediately started on my laundry so I'd be ready to jet out of here again the day after tomorrow. Luckily, my dad is reading my manuscript and sending me typo alerts. While I'm still in the haze of the KISS hangover, at least one person in my family is looking out for my professional best interests. Thanks, Pop.

July 27, 2004
Home for one day, then off on another road trip. This must be the life of a rock book star. I'm proving I can do it. I made my list of things to pack so I can hop out of bed tomorrow and get ready. I think as long as I have my KISS tickets and Zo2 banner, I'll be fine.

I stopped by the day job today to get a dose of normalcy. Kurt gave me props for the flier I made for my Indiana trip. When I got home, I braved the downpour outside to join a pro-Kerry demonstration, then I wrote a letter to the editor to express my views. I guess I'm living the KISS credo by partying everyday - if you count the Democratic party. (I can't believe I'm amused by that.)

The KISS hangover from the weekend is tougher than usual to shake. I'll have a week to get my head on straight. I'm not sure if I'll be able to post any entries while I'm in the Sunshine State, but you can assume that I'll be diligently working on my copyright clearances and my no-lines tan. One of those things is sexy. I'll let you ponder which one while I'm away.

July 31, 2004
Hmmm. No one has seen me at work in two weeks. What have I been doing?

I've been editing again. When will it end? Whenever I think Won't Get Fooled Again is just about done, there is more to do. Luckily, I've been polishing my craft in South Florida by the pool and I've been receiving feedback like this --

I'm not kidding!

My sister hosted a party while I was here, and last night I went with my siblings to see the hottest band in the world. It was my 10th time seeing the band, and I think it may have been my favorite live KISS performance ever. Yea, Zo2, by the way. Rumor has it that they will be at the Baltimore KISS Expo where a certain girl-next-door author has a gimmick planned that is absolutely KISSworthy. (continued)