Looks like rain this morning. We can only hope--but having been disappointed so far this year, I'm not banking on it. We're now in what the Weather Service calls a Moderate Drought, but what do they know? Walking the trails in our particular patch of Texas, checking it against my 20 years of weather experience here, I'd say that we're dry enough to rate "severe." There's still water in the lake (the sun isn't far enough north yet to boost evaporation) and the creek is still running. But unless the Gulf opens up and brings us some rains, we're going to be in serious trouble this summer. The county has been under a "red flag" warning for weeks--no burning allowed--although that never stops the fools and idiots who insist on burning garbage or a pile of brush on a day when the wind is blowing 20+ and the humidity is in the teens.

Lots of book stuff happening this week. Publishers Weekly (the most important book industry journal) gave Nightshade a positive review. The reviewer recognized that this is the wrap-up book in a trilogy (points for that recognition) and liked having part of the story told from McQuaid's POV (extra points). I don't pay much attention to reviews, but the PW review really counts. I'm pleased. And relieved. I'd hate to get panned in PW.

Also this week, Bill read Wormwood and gave me a list of shrugs (12), mutters (14), chuckles (36!!), nods (40!!!), and head shakes (a paltry 34). Rats. Wouldn't you think I'd have caught these things myself? I'll go through and change/delete/recast before the book goes to NY.

For most of the week, I worked on the blog tour, now scheduled for March 24-April 11. Peggy has put up a calendar here, including the topics I'll be blogging on. I'm writing the posts now--have finished 9 of them. And starting next week, I'll be previewing each of the blogs and blog posts here, on this blog, to give you a chance to check them out ahead of time. The tour lineup this time is really great. Garden blogs, place blogs, writing blogs, mystery blogs, herb blogs--I love the variety!

Reading note. There will be a rain dance Friday night, weather permitting. George Carlin

Comments

[bevson]

I am probably one of the few people in the world that actually read all of those snippets in the front of books and base my buying decisions on them. How unbelievably geeky, I know. For peeps like me, always include them if you can.

I've been reading China for years. Good job!

[bevson]

I am probably one of the few people in the world that actually read all of those snippets in the front of books and base my buying decisions on them. How unbelievably geeky, I know. For peeps like me, always include them if you can.

I've been reading China for years. Good job!

[andylynne]

I love to hear about the coming together of your books. The writing process and the changes you make. You can tell I don't write I would not have checked for, rats, nods or mutters. At least not to count them. Shows you what I know") But I do like to proof read. Did it for a Dr. I worked for, with the medical books and chapters he wrote. I was so surprised when I actully found something. I bet Bill was too:)

[Leslie Thompson]

Susan, come on down ... we're all doing the duck dance in H'ville. you know, quack quack, quack quack.

Leslie

[Ann Bevak]

Thank you thank you for the link to Jim Long's blog. I've enjoyed his column for years in The Herb Companion and didn't know about his recent health situation.
Sure hope you get your rain. Don't you think the weather has been unusually drastic? Here in Florida we are looking at 80's (nice) but fierce winds (no fun when you get out of the pool!). Well, somebody has to do it. Michigan is knee-deep in snow, they say.
Ann

[Becca]

LOL on Bill's review of Wormwood. Do you use this rating system for all of your manuscripts? Would love to hear more. :)

[Pam]

Susan, I'm sorry to hear about the drought. I'm not looking forward to this summer unless we start getting some more snow/rain in NY, too.
Glad to see PW likes Nightshade (so do I)!