After nearly five years, I am proud to say that the third and final edition of my first novel, "Shadow of the Thunderbird", is complete. It is 40 pages longer, the basic story embeliished without changing any fact or detail. It suffered only from the nuances of editorial mishandling. It troubled me so much that I determined I would not promote my second novel, "Track od the Bigfoot", or complete my third, "Wake of the Lake Monster", until the minor discrepancies my first novel contained were rectified. I am pleased to say that my current editor, whose creative and technical influence made such a success out of my Bigfoot novel, shone through in my thunderbird novel. On Monday, March 5th, I will turn SOTT over to my publisher. I am grateful for the many readers my initial title has brought me, as well as the accolades that put me up with many mainstream authors seeking to write in the genre of cryptofiction. Unfortunately for some, it takes one to know one. The science and research that goes into each novel involves sometimes a year of field work and study. I am determining the nature and origin of my subject cryptid, along with my alter ego in "The Cryptids Trilogy", Ian McQuade. I am lauded as much for my expertise, as my writings. Those looking for the extrapolation of known facts to determine the nature of the beast from Native legends, historical accounts and eyewitness sightings, have yet to be disappointed my estimation of the undiscovered animal responsible for these reports. I enjoy writing about animals out of place or time, in the genre of cryptofiction on the topic of cryptozoology, the study of hidden animals. It is not the onbly subject matter that interests me, but it does pose a greater challenge than any other area of the paranormal. It is easier, I think, to write about ghosts and UFOs, when no one really knows the nature of them. They will not be caught, and to be approached by them deals with traumatic experiences of abduction or possession. I prefer a good adventure story, based on myths and legends and the monsters that populate them. Whether I always write about cryptids or not, it willl remain a favorite subject of mine. I am so glad for those of you that continue to seek me out, and inquire about the release of my next novel. As much as I hate to predict the future, I will begin the final edits of "Wake of the Lake Monster" the second week of March. I hope to release it before Labor day, 2007. After that, I have an even more epic novel in mind. I can't say much about it right now, except that it would make one incredible video game. I have always been a very visual, emotionally passionate writer. I see a story as writing itself on the screen of my mind. I sit back and let the characters become involved in the plot, while I give them a storyline through which to grow. I am not now as in demaden as I was three years ago, when I was attending or organizing conferences, hosting or guesting on radio shows, or conductiong investigations. In many ways, I prefer the anonymity. I am well known, and well-connected, with many in the brotherhood of cryptozoologists. I make the subject palatable to the uninitiated, but including all that I can in relation to the subject matter. I have many, many faithful readers, who are waiting to see how Ian and Alma fare in their final adventure together. I am so grateful to have had you there. Writing a novel is long, lonely work usually conducted in the quiet hours between dusk and dawn. I have a family, and writing is not my career, yet. Most authors do other things to supplement their income as authors, waiting for the big break that will launch their careers to the next level. I have had many choice experiences, between meeting or interviewing my idols in the field, working with talented experts you may never heard of, and working to preserve iconic landmarks and vehicles used to study the creatures of myth and legend in their native habitats. Until you and I can actually see a thunderbird soar through the skies, a Bigfoot trudge through dense forest, or lake monsters traverse ocean, river or loch, do the next best thing. Curl up with a good book on the subject, and let you imagination fill the gape between what is, and what could be. Somewhere in the middle, I hope to stake my claim, and give you a place you can always come to learn and enjoy. I believe that if I succeed at one, I will surely never fail at the other. Until next time, read on and learn what others have discovered for themselves... Here there be Monsters! D.L.