I received a huge boost to my writing motivation this week. I heard from old friend Fred Scheeren, who has been phenomenal in support of my writing. Above anyone else, he has understood the longest the aim of my writing - to entertain while getting the science of unknown species right. I use the scientific method, and find a creature that is supposedly extinct, but whose continued existence would make the most accurate identity of a cryptid. My novels contain both an intermingled plot and storyline. In the former, the situations change; in the later, the characters grow and develop. I also heard from a prominent WVU professor, who was most gracious in his comments. Tom Woodall is professor of English at West Virginia University, and pulled me out of a long writer's block to write a full chapter last night. Thanks, Tom and Fred! I was also prompted by some goings on at work that made me realize, as I build my own company in the off hours, how badly I want to work for myself. My alter ego, anthropologist Dr. Ian McQuade, is slowly working himself out of a career. I hope to do the same, if my success makes it counter-productive to work for anyone else. Ian is now up in the Nahanni Valley of Canada, also known as the Headless Valley. I was amazed at who met him at the Osprey rendevouz point, as well as her "pet". I will have this book out by late Springm, 2006. The hurdle was 18 months spent with business partners developing an incredible intranet and group collaboration tool. There is not much left for me to do, as I allow my associates the opportunity now to drum up clients. They are already beginning to line up, and ask others to do the same. Life has gotten steadily better since I came off the road for IBM, 3 years ago. Like most authors, I continue to work for someone else until my big break comes. Look for a serialized audiobook of my novella "Chupacabra", which will be play 1 segment oer week beginning the first week in January. It was a well-received 9 part series I put out in the Summer of 2003, and is even more timely today. I will make it available for the holidays, as well as autographed copies of my first novel, as the 3rd edition will come out in the Spring of 2006. I withdrew from the CZ world to regroup, and look forward to a return that will include a radio station dedicated to cryptozoology, my favorite paranormal subject matter. Although the subject of my 4th novel will be unusual in nature, it will be based on a series of little known facts outside of cryptozoology. I will also be writing a 2nd novella, which has already begun. A man tormented in his youth by the events of Point Pleasant, West Virginia during its 13 month terrorization by Mothman. I will dedicate it to Tom Woodall, who brought it back to my recollection. Please come back and visit often. Wiriting is a solitary work, and we are isolated by the publication of our work. My readers span the globe, but I have been unavailable for a long time. I hope to change that. As I mentioned before, I love to get email, and always return messages. Only you can take my novels out into the world, and let others know how good they are. I believe in them, and your belief in me presses me on to my next novel. "The Cryptids Trilogy" will offer new characters, situations and revelations. Ian and Alma will reunite in a way neither expected or wanted, but come to the aid of the Chimaera Foundation. The world is closing in on an aquatic cryptid, and those who have protected them for a thousand years will have to reveal themselves for what they are - keepers of myth and magic! Join me in the journey, and keep the faith - Book 3 is coming!!! D.L.

I told myself to be honest in the blog, sometimes it may appear brutally so. There are so many ups and downs to writing and publishing. It's more like making a movis, wherein you really don't know what you have until people view your work without you. Tomorrow, I give my first presentation of the software package I created, along with my three partners. I am alittle unnerved, but only slightly. 18 months on one project, staying up all hours of the night to spend on this package when I wanted to be writing. I miss the thrill of finishing a manuscript, polishing it with the help of a tough editor, then pulling it through the publication process. In my last book, "Track of the Bigfoot", I thought I would have to board a plane to brain the graphic designer who was bound and determined to alter my vision of the cover. I literally created the cover art, but I can't get it printer ready. There are trials and tribulations, but all is forgiven and forgotten once I hold that ever-so-valuable galley copy in my hands. I look forward to finally getting my company off the ground. Maybe I can then catch up to some of the people I've made rich through the years. Maybe not. The important thing is that I gain more freedom and financial independence. Wealth is only what you lay up as treasure in your heart. I will get busy on "Wake" after this demonstration. I will know then that I have done all I could, and will give myself permission to get back to what I love and miss most about the quiet hours of my evening. My cat Samwise draped over my 19-inch monitor, fast asleep, as I pound out another 3500 word chapter. Speaking of which, I better get going. I have any early morning. Until next time, please drop by my web site or send an email if you have enjoyed my books. It's what we authors live for. After all, very few can say they actually do it for the money...