September 13 , 2004
I'm going nuts trying to think of ways to fill my book time that don't involve doing something that could potentially have to be reversed based on the KISS executives' decision about the future of Won't Get Fooled Again. Today I wrote a press release and started working on a fake review (a suggestion from my publisher, who says it helps when you request real reviews). I'm filling time, but I'd rather be working my ass off.

September 14, 2004
I was telling my friend Kurt had a dream about my nervousness as I await news from the Simmons camp, and he wondered why I still felt anxious.It seems that Mr. Kurt had a dream that I received KISS's approval in the mail - and the dream was so vivid Kurt believed it.

Okay, then. I believe it, too.

And at last I have a Plan B in case things (even thought they won't) fall through. Thanks, darling Batlord.

September 15, 2004
I had an appointment with a local proofreader tonight, but she had to cancel because she wasn't feeling well. We're on for Friday instead. I'm going to read about book promotion tonight in anticipation of a gigantic YES from Gene Simmons soon.

September 17, 2004
I had a wonderful dinner with a proofreader in whom I have tremendous touch. Handing her 393 pages of pure rock & roll literary gold was the greatest pleasure of my week so far. Momentum regained. I was feeling so optimistic that I wrote to the KISS staff to see if I could get an update on my final lyric request and the big fat permission clearance I need. I couldn't have sucked up more and I really meant it. I want to make an affirmative decision as easy as possible for them. If I win, KISS wins.

September 18, 2004
Did a little contractual work tonight, but nothing huge. The Baltimore KISS Expo is a month away. I need to get cracking on promotional stuff. I've been fearful of getting too far ahead of the process, but I think it's time to assume the best and go balls out.

Found this site tonight: www.KerryRocks.com. Maybe I could manage a tribute band.

September 19, 2004
For my mind, I went to see John Edwards speak today.
For my body, I let Gym work me over tonight.
For my spirit, I sang "Son of a Preacher Man" at karaoke.
For my book, I put into motion a promo idea that would impress even the masters. I have the gimmick to end all gimmicks, if it works out. I'll know in 29 days.

September 20, 2004
Already, my promotional gimmick for the Baltimore KISS Expo has gone south - or, more accurately, won't go south with me next month. I'll come up with a plan b, no doubt.

I left work early today because of a massive headache, then tonight I worked on a KISS-ish animated gif (below) that took hours. Not the best decision.

September 21, 2004
Pretty soon it will be a month since I sent my stuff to GS. It sure is a lot more fun doing self-promotion than it is sitting around reading about it. Not long ago, I was a self-believing superstar. Now, I'm just a college dean with a project that seems more like a dream than a task. I want to work. I have a publisher ready to pay. Mr. $immon$, I'd like to put a few dollars in your pocket. What d'ya say?

September 22, 2004
I realized tonight I've almost complete lost my balls. Admitting that you have a problem is the first step toward recovery. It's time for me to take action. I have a plan b in case GS turns me down, so I might better do some pushing and find out my status than sit on my ass reading about all the promotional strategies I should already have in place. Tomorrow is my brother's birthday, but I've also deemed it National Rock & Roll Author-Dean Get Some Balls Day.

Yes, you still have to go to work.

September 23, 2004
Happy birthday to my brother, Paul, whom I will see in two days. I can't wait for his visit.

Tonight, I received my copyright licenses from Universal Publishing. I was so proud of myself! I had balls today, but no time to call the KISS people. Perhaps my special holiday should last a week. Or a lifetime. Hell, until August 23, 2004 - when I mailed my requests to the band's management, I'd had 3 straight years of determination. (Continued)