Newsletter 03/14

March 2014

Thanks to everyone who bought my latest, The Quest, which was released in September last year and is still available from your Internet retailer and as an eBook. Also, your bookstore can order the hardcover if they’ve sold out. The Quest is also available as an audio CD or download. And don’t forget, you can get Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 free on my website.

I have just about finalized my deal with Lionsgate Productions for a cable TV series of Plum Island, featuring John Corey, NYPD. The script for the pilot is underway, and Aaron Eckhart is still in line to play John Corey. Everyone associated with the project is very excited about this series and if all goes well (which it always does in Hollywood) the first episode will air this fall. Stay tuned for more updates in my next Newsletter.

You and my agent and my publisher will be happy to know that I’m hard at work on my next John Corey novel. Originally I said the book would be set in Afghanistan, but Afghanistan really sucks and no one wants to read about that place. Therefore, I’ve switched the venue to New York City and the Hamptons on Long Island. John Corey has taken a new job with the Feds, and he is on a special surveillance team that keeps an eye on foreign U.N. delegates in New York. Corey’s assignment is to follow the Russians, who he finds more interesting and challenging than Islamic terrorists. The title of the book is A Quiet End, and you’ll see why I’ve picked this title when you read the book.

Saint Patrick’s Day is coming up, and one of my books, Cathedral, is set on St. Patrick’s Day in New York City, in and around St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The book captures the joy, enthusiasm, and energy of the parade and the festivities as the whole city has a couple of drinks and makes merry. Then along comes the Irish Republican Army with plans of their own.

I was recently invited to breakfast by His Eminence, Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York. I was reluctant to accept the Cardinal’s kind invitation because I imagined that His Eminence did not find my novel, Cathedral, particularly pleasing, though in his letter to me he said he did. A trap? But recalling my Catholic upbringing, and not knowing how to say “I’m busy” to a Prince of the Church, I presented myself at the door of the Archbishop’s residence at the appointed early hour.

Well, to make a long story short, Cardinal Dolan actually did enjoy Cathedral, which was a relief. Cardinal Dolan is an extremely affable and well-read man and we discussed books over lox and eggs. Then we discussed his restoration program for St. Patrick’s Cathedral. It seems that the beautiful and stately Gothic cathedral on Fifth Avenue is in dire need of repairs. About $170 million worth, to be exact. Cardinal Dolan is very enthused about this restoration program, and I assured him I was as well. Unfortunately, as I explained, I’d left my checkbook in my other tattered tweed jacket.

Cardinal Dolan, as everyone knows who has met him, has a great sense of humor along with a persuasive manner and he laughed. To cut to the chase, I pledged my future royalties from my novel, Cathedral, to the St. Patrick’s Restoration Program.

Cardinal Dolan was pleased, and I left his dining room with a light heart and a lighter wallet. But I also felt that since I’d profited by expropriating the cathedral for my book that me giving future profits to the cathedral from Cathedral had a sort of symmetry, and perhaps symbolism. I also felt that I now had a better shot at salvation and forgiveness, and perhaps a place among the heavenly host.

As Cardinal Dolan says, this worthwhile project is ecumenical, and the fund has received thousands of donations from people of all faiths, including avowed atheists who love the landmark building for its art and history.

If you’d like to join me in helping restore this national landmark, please click here.

Assuming I won’t be joining the heavenly host soon, my next Newsletter will be post-St. Patrick’s Day, and I’ll report on my St. Patrick’s Day activities in New York City.

Think Spring.

Sincerely,