The cover art for Sparks has been released. Pretty cool:

The release date is February 14th, so grab a copy on Amazon if so inclined. My story is “Big, Blue Steel”, and offers a different twist on shape-shifting. The setting is downtown Chicago.

In other “news”, my new novel is just about finished. I’m sitting at 84,000 words with a wrap up date by next Thursday. I tend to write a hell of a lot more per day toward the end of the first draft. Usually I start with 1200 words per day, and at the 60,000 mark tend to ratchet that up to 2000 per day. The key is to not miss days (or one at the most). If I do, I get all discombobulated.

Whew, working hard on the latest novel. I started December 1st, and I’m happily 53,000 words into a projected 85,000. I’m expecting a first draft finish date by February 15th or sooner. After that, the novel gets stuffed into a virtual drawer for several weeks.

I’m thrilled with the characters in this one. I decided to try something different and have multiple main characters, and it’s working fine. I’m looking forward to reader feedback on several key points. Did I go too far? Did I not go far enough? We’ll see.

INVASIVE is being shopped by my agent. Crazy ass book. 😉

I’ve got a few stories out in the short story market, but those are always a crapshoot. With such a heavy focus on novels, I’m pleased with my two most recent short acceptances–a good start to the new year.

I captured this photo of Mt. Shasta in August of 2010. It’s not really an artistic photo. What it does show is the absolute spectacular nature of this mountain. For Illinois flatlanders like me, this is a shock to the system. To give you an idea of the vertical relief, the highway sits at 3,000 feet. Mt. Shasta rises to 14,197. That’s a valley/peak differential of 11,000 feet. That’s rare air in the lower 48. This was one of the first sights I encountered as I drove from Oregon to Northern California. Needless to say California blew me away. So much so I’m considering relocating.

I just received word that my suburban tale “Street Lamps and Carbaryl” has been accepted by Bards and Sages Quarterly for their April 2012 issue. Those who were raised in the suburbs might find “Street Lamps and Carbaryl” hitting a little too close to home.

More good news came today in the form of a wolf. According to reports, the first grey wolf since 1924 has appeared in California. So cool. Truly a historic day. The wolf traveled at least a thousand miles from Idaho to reach the Golden State. Here’s hoping to a long and healthy life for the first California wolf in almost a hundred years.

A photo from Northern California to celebrate the wolf’s return:

Lassen Peak frames Manzanita Lake in Lassen Volcanic National Park, California.

I’m pleased to announce that my short story “Big, Blue Steel” has been accepted for Earthbound Fiction’s Standout Fantasy Anthology. Earthbound Fiction does high quality work and I’m glad to be onboard for this anthology.