In case any of you noticed that I wasn't online much over the last week, it was because I wasn't online much in the last week! I spent the last week visiting New York City, a birthday present from my beautiful girlfriend and my less-beautiful brothers. We had an impromptu reunion of sorts, as is our yearly tradition. I'd have to say that it was a pretty epic experience! Here are some of the things I did on my trip: Saw the Statue of Liberty Rode the Staten Island Ferry Walked through Times Square Took in two Broadway plays (thanks to my brothers for that one!) Stood outside a Broadway theater in the freezing cold to get Bradley Cooper's autograph for my daughter Ate New York-style and Chicago-style pizza Had brunch in Williamsburg, Brooklyn Tried the best fast-food burgers in the U.S. at Five Guys Walked through Central Park during the day and the night Strolled the High Line in the freezing wind Visited Chelsea Market Took in a comedy show at the Comedy Cellar Watched Buddy Guy in concert Rocked out to live Jazz All in all, it was a truly eventful week. And I'm so glad to be home! I can only handle so much excitement in my life, so this trip has filled my "action" quotient for the next few months, so it's wonderful to be sitting down at my desk, sleeping in my bed, and being in the comfort of my own home again. It also means that I can get back to the very exciting work of preparing The Last Bucelarii (Book 1): Blade of the Destroyer for publishing. A quick update: I just got the book back from the editor, meaning I start work on the final draft today and hope to be finished before the holiday season. By the time the New Year dawns, I should have the book ready for all of my advanced readers and reviewers. I will work on publishing, publicity, marketing, and all that other stuff that goes into launching a book. If all goes well, the launch date of the book will be March 3^rd, 2015. It's so exciting!