My thanks to those that read my last blog about losing a close friend. It’s been a process to get by it, not helped by the fact that he would be one of the first I would call to discuss the events taking place to our south (yes, I’m a proud Canadian). But it’s time to move on - in more ways than one. This is going to be a bit of a potpourri as I/we catch up.
First and foremost, the novel is almost ready to go. It’s been a longer process than I would have liked or anticipated, but I’m quite pleased with the product as it nears the finish line. Details to come soon. I’m also pleased to say the sequel is nearly there and should be ready for mid-year.
Speaking of the sequel, when I was traditionally published, it was rejected by a US publisher because and I quote: ‘I gave this novel careful consideration, and ultimately concluded that, despite the author’s evident writing abilities, the book is far too bizarre and depressing for me to take on’. As I’ve indicated before that was when Mikhail Gorbachev was in power. Unfortunately, thanks to Mr. Putin - and others - the world has turned much darker, hence the recent unwelcome movement of the Doomsday clock.
It makes my sequel more relevant. Not that it brings me any joy to say that. I was raised back in the day when John Lennon and Yoko Ono went on a world tour and sang ‘Give Peace a Chance’.
Yes, please. Let’s give peace a chance.
And yes, despite the ‘darkness’ of my novels I do hope you give them a chance.
On a different note (or perhaps somewhat related note) I have notified my almost 250 followers on Twitter (after five years) that at the end of this month I will be leaving that platform. I have already established an account on Bluesky ( fredbiroauthor.bsky.social). I joined Twitter for its writing community and I will sincerely miss my compatriots. However, as one solitary voice, whose departure in no way will impact the fortunes of Twitter’s owner, I have to take actions that align with my beliefs. Leaving Twitter will not help me in marketing my novel. However, for me, it’s the right choice to make. I sincerely hope to connect with you on Bluesky.
And now, for something completely different (yes, a deliberate Monty Python reference). We’ve lived in our home for over thirty years. But we didn’t really get to know more than our immediate neighbours until we got a dog, a wonderful golden-doodle named Sage. We lost her during COVID, but we continue to walk every day and I continue to carry treats for Sage’s friends, and now, the new canine additions. That has led to my nickname ‘The Treat Guy’.
I did a video audition for a game show in Canada (didn’t make it…darn) based on that premise. As we all wrestle with ‘doom-scrolling’ I thought it would be a fun antidote to the news of the day. I hope you enjoy and that it demonstrates that despite my novels, I do have a lighter side to my character.
Signed: The Treat Guy
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