Random Bits in the Life of TL

1. First off, I want to announce the release of a wonderful novel by a dear friend of mine: Steal Tomorrow by Ann Pino. The book will be available in multiple formats:

a. in print, pocket edition (trade paperback and Kindle soon to come)

b. serialized on the web on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with extra goodies such as character sketches and flash fiction.

Here's the blurb:

"When her parents died in a global pandemic, seventeen-year-old Cassie Thompson thought her biggest problem was finding her next meal. But “Telo” is a virally-transmitted genetic disease that targets adults, and no one is immune. Surviving to adulthood isn’t looking very good as her city succumbs to food shortages, sanitation problems, and gang violence. When Cassie accepts an invitation to join a group of young people living in a luxury hotel, she thinks her most immediate troubles are over. Her new tribe appears committed to alliance-building, order, and civility. She soon finds, however, that her new friends have dark secrets and the boy she is falling in love with might be the most dangerous of them all."

Steal Tomorrow is an outstandingly told, beautifully written story of courage, love, and hope, and it's dark, gritty, wildly creative and inspiring all at the same time.

Check it out, and I highly recommend that you buy a copy to keep, re-read, and treasure. It's one of the best books I've come across in a long time.

2. I've been rocking and rolling on my novel-in-progress, Heart's Chalice. I cracked 57K the other day. Now I'm going back through the story, weaving various threads more tightly together, preparing to add additional chapters.

3. I'm continuing to feel better and better. I'm eating small meals, healthful snacks, and as a result of keeping my fat intake very low, my symptoms have become virtually nil. I'm back to my regular schedule with hiking and weight-lifting. And a checkup with my doctor is just around the corner.

4. And you knew this was coming -- more hiking pictures. The weather has been great here in East Tennessee. Abundant sunshine and temperatures in the low eighties... a hiker's delight!