Awake

It’s Friday, the day when a cumulative lack of sleep usually has me feeling groggy and looking forward to Saturday, the one day of the week when I can usually sleep in. However, I managed an extra hour or so of sleep last night, so I’m actually feeling quite alert and oriented. Go figure.

I was surprised to discover that the Russian translation of The Road to the Dark Tower is in hardcover. It’s a very nice little volume. Some interesting idiosyncrasies—the table of contents is at the back, for example. All in all, a totally incomprehensible book (from my point of view) in a nice package. The editor and translator both signed it, which was nice of them.

I started another round of revisions on Leap Second this morning. I received a little feedback from one test reader, some of which I took to heart. The changes involved are subtle and, to my surprise, have resulted in a net reduction of about twenty words so far. I hope to have the draft in shape to submit to the editor by the end of the weekend if all goes well.

In the meantime Missing Persons is now sitting on the desks of editors in New York City. The great submission process has begun. Cross your fingers that at least one of them is tempted by the novel.

I’m currently reading Innocent Graves, an Inspector Banks novel by Peter Robinson. I’ve read one or two others by him, though it’s been a while. A refreshing change from my recent reading. The British really do know how to write crime fiction. No, wait! Mr. Robinson is actually a Canadian, though he was born in England.

My writing plans for the weekend: aforementioned work on short story, write a book review of The Poe Shadow (not bound to be flattering, alas) and tinker around with another story I’ve been trying to find my way into. If I can accomplish all three of those things, I’ll consider the weekend a success.