September 25 , 2004
I received a contract related to my book and an unexpected gift from KISS in the mail today. It's good news, but still not the big permission license I'm waiting for. I went ahead and started working on materials for the Baltimore KISS Expo this afternoon.

Did I mention Paul S. and the big guy swung through town and took me to dinner tonight?

September 26, 2004
Paul Shaw and my dad, that is. You know you love your family when you get up at 7:00 a.m. to go with them to historic Gettysburg. Civil War stuff is to my brother what KISS is to me. I suppose it's not all that different. Reenactors are really just Civil War tribute bands, and they put on a pyro show that would shame even the real KISS. So why can't they plug in and reward the tourists with a few smokin' guitar solos? Or maybe not. The idea of a groupie sidling up to a dude in grey flannel makes me itch. And not in a good way.

September 27, 2004
Despite the editing that's been done on Won't Get Fooled Again, I felt the need to hire a proofreader to take a look at the almost-final version because I knew I'd be way too close to it. I love her! She is not only capable, but affirming, which is exactly what I need right now. She's done a lot more than just catch typos. I'm really starting to feel like a novelist, and not a nonfiction writer who's trying to fake it. I see the future, and it is KISSfiction.

September 28, 2004
I'm a writer; I'm a writer; I'm a writer. My self-hired editor tells me so. I'm still on a cloud from her feedback. Today, she told me I needed to start my next book. This is so cool! I didn't, but I did write a letter to the editor that blurred feminism and antifeminism with an edge of social consciousness.

September 30, 2004
I called the KISS office twice today to see if I could get an update and twice I was disconnected. I don't believe in omens this week.

October 1, 2004
I wrote an outline for my (possible) next novel. The protagonist is harried from her day job and out of sorts in her personal life. Not that I know anything about either of those things, but perhaps I should have written in a chapter summary where the business manager of a famous blood-spitting, fire-breathing band returns the heroine's phone calls. I suppose that would be one of the final chapters. Meanwhile, the suspense builds.

October 2, 2004
If there is a KISSfiction MVP tonight, it is Carlos Espada from KISS Nation. You may remember Carlos from his supermodel photoshoot at my day job. Today, I asked several fans in the music/KISS world for advice about my licensing request stagnancy. I believe he provided the information to shock the life back into my requests. And this hottie is the "Gene" in the Baltimore KISS Expo's all-star tribute band. We love Carlos.

I have a second publisher. Today the Lancaster New Era newspaper printed my letter to the editor. I didn't even realize it had been published until I listened to a phone message from a woman who thought "It was brilliant." I am a writer!

October 3, 2004
My day job is killing me. My soul, that is. But I am inspired by the rejuvenated status of my soon-to-be-a-smash novel and my belief that tomorrow can be better than today.

Oh, sh*t. I can be as optimistic as I want, but I'm still not ready for the Baltimore KISS Expo. I haven't even had time to practice up for the pre-expo karaoke. Where are my priorities?

October 4, 2004
Carlos's suggestion from two days ago worked like a charm. After I crafted an email to the contact he provided, I heard back from the KISS people right away.

I'm not sure if I've ever been so brazen as to just come right out and say it, but I love KISS. Love them. I'm not done with my dealings with them, but I love them.

October 5, 2004
Pride means nothing when you're hunting down your 3-year dream. I don't have the rights I need YET, but if I have to beg or plead for Gene's sympathy, I don't mind... You know how the rest of the song goes. It's not a KISS song, but I guess it's okay.

October 7, 2004
What little time I've had to devote to my book over the past two days was spent on legal stuff. I think there may be good news ahead in regard to my permission licensing needs. As the Baltimore KISS Expo looms, I'm realizing that I'm approaching the 3-year anniversary of when I began this project. There is nothing that can stop me now. Nothing makes sense except a 2005 marked by the arrival of Won't Get Fooled Again and subsequent landslide sales.(continue)