Newsletter 12/12

December 2012

Well, it is December and the end of the world is just around the corner. That’s right, not many shopping days left until December 21.

Actually, Hurricane Sandy looked like the end of the world around here, but I’m happy to report that things are getting back to normal. Unfortunately, many people are still left homeless, so please consider a donation to Hurricane Sandy relief. Google “Hurricane Sandy relief” and see what charities or organizations you’d like to contribute to. This would be a nice thing to do for the holidays.

When the lights go out and the house gets cold and the Internet is down, there are only a few things to do to pass the time. We know what the first thing is, and the second thing is reading.

Dozens of people have told me that they read The Panther, by candle or flashlight. Or read it on their eReader until their batteries ran out. One guy told me he and his wife sat in their car to get warm and listened to the audiobook of The Panther. Thanks to everyone who bought the book and who have written to me since publication on October 16.

I received a few letters pointing out some errors in the book. One was that I put Dover Air Force base in the wrong state — it’s in Delaware, not Maryland. Right. They moved it again. Look for the correction in the paperback.

Also, I had a character in the book order a bagel and cream cheese in Ben’s Kosher Deli. Kosher delis and restaurants don’t serve dairy products if they serve meat. It’s not kosher. But this was a non-dairy cream cheese, and the bagel was not made with a milk product. I know this is true because I just made it up. So, no error there.

Perhaps more importantly, the world will not end on December 21. We know this because an archaeologist turned over the stone Mayan calendar and found a carved solicitation to buy a new thousand-year calendar, while supplies last. So that’s a relief — pardon the pun.

I’ve just celebrated my 30th anniversary with my publisher, Grand Central Publishing, formerly Warner Books. My first book with them was Word of Honor and each one since then has been a bestseller, thanks to their great efforts and my great writing. The publisher gave me a swell party and presented me with a 30 year-old bottle of scotch and a new contract which I think I signed.

On that subject, I’ve begun my next book and I’ll talk more about that in my next Newsletter.

Anyway, thanks again for buying The Panther and for making it #1. And remember, a signed copy is a perfect holiday gift. How do you get it signed? Just sign it yourself. Who’s gonna know? Right?
I’d like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, a happy holiday season, and a New Year of peace, prosperity, and good health. And special greetings and thanks to the men and women serving our country all over the world. You may not be home for Christmas, but our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sincerely,