I'm back....
...and to say I'm tired would be the understatement of the century. Some real good things happened over the past couple of days:
1. Our show, "GRITS, Georgia, and Grizzard," sold out the theatre last night - 350 seats at $35 a pop. We were the fundraising act this year for the Helen Keller Foundation, which personally meant a lot to me. I can remember my elementary school teachers teaching us about Helen Keller, and I was impressed even then by her spirit and demeanor. She should be an inspiration to anyone and everyone, and to get a chance to help raise money for her foundation meant a whole lot to me.
2. After the show we had a big booksigning, and at one point I found myself surrounded by about 10-12 writers who wanted to talk about publishing. Folks, I tried to do us proud - I gave them the standard info you'd give anyone looking to be published, but I also added in this, "And let be advise y'all on this - whatever you do, don't go with the whores of the publishing industry, PublishAmerica. Laughing stock of the industry and then some. If you printed your books on toilet paper it would be worth more than a PA book will be to you." Then, I told 'em they should all join us over here at AW - I obviously told them about the literary benefits of doing so, but I also added in that they would get to hang and bang with Jenna, Uncle Jim, Dave, Sweet Victoria, Naughty Nancy, and some notable others, but, most of all, if they were really lucky that they might get some unusual recognition from ZaZ. If that doesn't encourage 'em to join us, nothing will.
3. Wow, all the new faces here! Welcome to all of you, I think you will both enjoy it here and learn a lot about writing to boot. If I can ever be of assistance to any of you, I am but an email away.
4. Aryn, in my eyes, you have moved up into the ranks of BTO and Elvis with your principled stand on the PA boards - you have earned my respect times three with that, not that you didn't have it already. And Bonnie, you continue to epitomize what class and character is all about...
5. Thanks to all of who who've welcomed me back, it is great to be here. Diana, my esteem for you grows...
6. Re Shemp, he may well show up here if his need for attention is at the level I think it is. Even if he does show up, I don't think it will amount to much. I don't think he could take being challenged for long, and he will be challenged here. Personally, I would not treat him impolitely, but I hope he stays dead and buried. I would welcome any person coming over to these boards who was sincere in their motives, but not him. Frankly, whatever happens to him concerns me in the least.
7. Jenna, I will be listening and cheering you on Sunday - you will be in real good hands with Bro Ed....
And now, I have to unpack, later everyone!