Okay, my friends, especially those of you who keep
encouraging me – Return of the Texas Ranger
is on the horizon. All proofs are corrected, the cover design is completed,
there is a 2008 imprint on the title page. Very, very soon now.
Who will read it?
The book signing at Remember the Alibi in San Antonio was a bust. Thanks to Marj F. and
family, and Mary Freeman of course, for keeping me company. Only one customer entered the store. I gave
away pens at the Starbuck’s next door, without affecting the coffee drinkers.
JL Miles tells me that such a disastrous book signing is not unknown to her. It
was my first.
Is this the future of the printed book? Are we losing the
competition to TV and adult comic books? I purchased a “Kindle,” the electronic
reader sold by Amazon.com. I’ve learned to use it okay, but I can’t use it for
reading in bed. Electronic readers surely have their place. Downloading a
semester’s worth of textbooks, for example. For me, so far, nothing substitutes
for turning the paper pages of a readable volume. My habit of flipping back
and forth is much more practical with a printed book.
But San Antonio was as pleasant as ever. Musical gems by Small
World, cheered on by Mary and me.
Thanksgiving dinner with the Gaffords on their rancho at Ben Bolt.
Now, the holiday season rushes upon us and pulls us into another
celebration of family, friends, and cheerful memories. Winter clutches us once
again. The cat sleeps in a sunny window. Outside, the west wind plays with
swirls of leaves. I settle into my chair, hot chocolate at the ready, and begin
to read. A Christmas Carol.
The happiest of holidays to you all.
Dac.
12/7/2008. (Remember, those of you who are able to, 12/7/1941).