So I met with a publisher today and while the contract isn't signed or anything, it looks like I've got a new project.

I'll be doing A Journey Into the Beats' San Francisco for Roaring Forties Press.

The only bad part is that I have to finish it (40,000 words) by early September. Normally they'd give me a year but the original writer on the book had to bail for health reasons and they have pre-orders, and there's a lot of design/art/layout in this book and they have to have copies ready by the Big Book Expo next May.

On the plus side: getting paid to write and getting published.

Also, if I do a good job and hit the deadline I could probably have a shot at doing their San Francisco book for the Music Place series.

Oh, Hec, you're PERFECT for that. It's perfect for you. Yay!

Sounds exciting, Hecubus.

Tighter deadline means they are paying you more -- doesn't it? (Among other things - no time for a day job). And enough of it in advance not to need a day job?

Oh, Hec, you're PERFECT for that. It's perfect for you. Yay!

Thank you! The publisher is very nice too. We had a very pleasant lunch together. I met her through my friend Karen who's recently finished her chemo, and this woman (Deirdre) was one of Karen's "go to" people during her treatment. Which, obviously, speaks well for Deirdre.

Karen (for those of you who have been following) finished her chemo, had a scare over something ambiguous in an ultrasound (which turned out to be "fatty necrosis" - which sounds unpleasant but was really good news), and is almost done with her radiation now. And her hair is coming back, so she's got a whole inch now.

Tighter deadline means they are paying you more -- doesn't it? (Among other things - no time for a day job)

I've certainly thought about that, and I'll mention it when we get to the contract stage. But it wouldn't be a deal breaker for me. Their standard contract is nicely structured, increasing royalties as sales hit higher marks. Also, the bonus of getting to do a music book for them would make it worthwhile anyway.

... and add another YAY for the good news on Karen. I've worried about her, but haven't kept up with you on all the updates.

Cool. As everyone says it is a perfect book for you. Congrats. But I'm glad you will at least try for some extra money. Cause it is really hard for a writer to bargain.

Awesome, Hec! I expect to be coming to a reading at City Lights next year.

David, that's fantastic! Yay!