DOWNTIME: Everyone Must Read

This will be my last communique for quite some time, and thus, contains a lot of info. Read it in full, and do not skim.

Later this week, I'll be moving back to the country, into a remodeled, 3-story log cabin built in 1890 and nestled just a few hundred yards from the Susquehanna River. It feels nice to be leaving civilization behind again. The downside is that there is no internet connection at the new place, and it might be some time before I can get service. So don't expect to see me around much for the next few weeks. While an iPhone is useful for the occasional Twitter update, it sucks for updating this website, answering queries at The Keenedom, looking at porn, playing Angry Birds, and all the other things we do with the internet.

Editors, agents, producers, and others who have my phone number should call if they need me. I will not be answering email. Somebody in the back just shouted "You don't answer email, anyway." But I do. It's just that I only have time to answer 10 to 20 per day, leaving the other 180 that came in that day unanswered. Now, I won't even be answering the handful I do make it to every day.

Speaking of which, a few specific messages for those folks above who are also bad at checking email, but will probably read this. Andrew: We've got a one day window if you still want me to write that treatment. Scott: Need to get the contract notarized and then it will be on the way. Fred, Tony, and Kim: Contracts are on the way. Please proceed as if you had them in hand. Paul: Will be in touch soon regarding Maelstrom 3 and your Lifetimer shipping offer. Roy and Dave: Books are signed. Will mail them this weekend. Jeff, Rose, and Carlton: Will have Castaways to you by end of next month. Am waiting on Dezm's notes. Jesus: Start thinking about Jim, Tony, Rick, and Black Lodge's final showdown with the Ob-possessed Clicker at Mt. Shasta, because that's where we'll be when you get the manuscript back. Larry: Still mulling the anthology. Keith: Still no word? Because my window of availability is just about closed. Jerrod, Karen, and S.D.: First draft done. Still unsure about the title, though. No sense poking the crazy if he's gone quiet again. Jason: First draft should be done in two weeks. You're gonna love it. It has dinosaurs and robots and everything in between. Juan: Let's talk about the properties and which one you'd like me to write mid-August (once I've had a chance to settle in and finish up a few other obligations).

Half of you Lifetimers should have received your packages. The other half should be receiving them over the next week or so. They shipped media mail, so please be patient. I'll be making arrangements with a third party to get future shipments processed and out to you sooner. Progress on the Newsletter special continues. Horrorfind Authors can expect their finalized schedules within the next two weeks. There will obviously be no new installments of Deluge until I get back online.

Turning to news, here's a mid-week update. My new novel, The Damned Highway, co-written with Nick Mamatas, is in stores! The second Maelstrom set, which includes my new hardcovers A Conspiracy of One and Alone, shipped. Due to some bounced checks, there are a few copies remaining. And Mary and I were the victims at the annual NECON Roast. Pics and a write-up here.

So, that's it. I now vanish from the internet, except for Twitter. If you want to know what I'm up to, follow me there.

"You do not know me. I am something different and none of you have met me before. I am a new kind of monster." Uncle Lono – The Damned Highway