So, like some other folks on my f’list, I seem to have caught the insomnia bug. Not really sure why – I even took a half-dose of Nyquil so i could rest…not so much with the resting. It obviously didn’t work, because it’s now 5:33 and my alarm is set to go off in 2 hours.

I tossed and turned until I realized that this was silly. I might as well get up and play online. I’ll be death warmed over at work, but at this point, at least I’ll feel accomplished.

Accomplished? How so young Padawan?

I got Things done. Things being the following:

* wrote my publisher a nice, but firm e-mail, asking for details on my not-yet-paid royalties from quarter 2. You see, my book debuted in May 2005. My publisher pays royalties in September for Quarter 2. Upon my first e-mail, he said that my check was below the minimum, and thus would be rolled into the December payment for Quarter 3. Okay, I bit. After some though, I knew something still seemed fishy. I *KNOW* how many books were at the various events I did in May and June. I also know (because my co-workers and boss are very wonderful people, that in my office alone, in those 2 months, I signed well over 25 books. This isn’t counting sales online that I don’t know about. Doesn’t sound like a lot, but i did the math and this is definitely more than the minimum. Sooo, I sent him an e-mail, asking for an explanation. Let’s see what happens. He’d sent out an e-mail earlier this week that said he and his wife were taking some vacation/travel days, so would be incommunicado for a while. Ah, the vagaries of small presses run by fanboyz. (Why did I think this was a good idea? ::facepalms::)

* I’ve been trying to figure out how to query agents to represent my book for additional rights sales (e.g., mass market, audio, foreign, etc.) – the appropriate wording finally came to me. I know have a standard template, and have already e-mailed 3 agencies that prefer e-mail queries. One of the agencies represents 3 of my close friends. Keeping fingers/toes crossed and hopes karma will be kind. I know the book will sell – it debuted as #1 at my publishing house and has been in the top ten YTD since then. I just need to get it moved over to a more active house – preferably one with fewer distribution issues. It’s available online, but takes a Miracle (cue horse) to get it ordered in chain bookstores. Oftentimes, my reliable indy stores that do so well by me practically have to drive to freakin’ West Virginia (where Quiet Storm is located) to get their orders. Fulfillment does *not* seem to be a priority with him. ARRGH. Dude STILL owes me contributor copies of the trade paperback of Chesapeake Crimes I, and the hardcover of Chesapeake Crimes II.

* I copied this week’s House ep for Donna A, who evidently forgot to set her DVR. Burned it to DVD, along with some other goodies (some fan vids, and pretty JPGs). I’ll get it out in the mail to her. She’s close, so may get it on Saturday.

I’ve got a couple more hours to kill, but my brain has hit freeze mode. Maybe I’ll just surf for a while and/or read.

Hola, all – checking in from the wilds of Texas.

I’m in San Antonio and just finished an extremely successful signing at Remember the Alibi (we’ll just forget about the time snafu, now shan’t we?)*

Signed along with Marcia Talley and Kate Charles. Thanks to my book-pimping sister’s efforts – I sold out, and had to replenish from the extras I’d brought. Whee!! (my sister pre-sold 24 to friends, in-laws, etc.).

My morning signing at Trinity University was a fascinating example of people-watching. Alums of TU do not buy books. They come to the events to see and be seen. I did sell 2 books, though.

Lunch was fab – an excursion to Demo’s – a local family-owned Greek eatery. Dinner is at a friend’s, a gathering of the old crowd. There will be Alaskan salmon, caught by said friend’s SIL/BIL.

In a few, my sis and BIL and I are off to Alien Worlds, a local comics shop, and the used CD store (there are some oop CDs that they might have). Then off for food and frolic.

I jet back to DC tomorrow evening, arriving about 10:30. Then Monday a.m. is my surgery.

I so haven’t caught up on LJ – hopefull, I can do so when I get back.

Catch you all on the flip side!

* ehr, ahem, uhm….I was 30 minutes late. I thought the signing was at 3:00, not 2:00…