January 2009

I find myself tempted to begin writing this piece as one might begin correspondence with a neglected friend, by apologizing for the length of my silence. The last time I made a contribution to this journal was last summer. I am certain, however, that no one out there has been waiting breathlessly for the next installment of my thoughts, so I'll refrain from apologizing and simply say "I'm back."

It's a curious business, this matter of playing out personal thoughts in so public a venue. I've been sorting back over the last couple of years, remembering why I decided to do this.

I had resisted the very idea of having my own web site for a long time. But as the world changed around me I began to understand that a web presence is essential for those of us who put books out into the world hoping that others will read them, perhaps even buy them.