Theresa, Mark seemed like a pretty nice guy :) In ...

Theresa, Mark seemed like a pretty nice guy :) In fact, pretty much everyone I met there--writers, artists, fans, etc.--were just incredibly friendly and easy to approach...

Calibander, thanks! I don't know how much I can say, but the book is the first in a trilogy and will be more SF. Aside from editing, it's complete and I might get a manuscript of it :)

Regarding the GRRM excerpt, I'm actually trying to avoid any previews right now because I want to read "A Feast for Crows" and "A Dance of Dragons" back-to-back so I haven't checked it out. Sorry Balerion and the rest of the ASOIAF fans...

Tez, the car stays pretty cool at night and during the day so I think I'm good still :)

Mihai, you're more than welcome!

Raul, yeah it was a great time :) My wife & son are definitely making sure I behave!