If you have read a copy of my previous book, you’ll recognize the names in the title of the forthcoming, Long Division: Archie & Isaac. As Archie’s story began unfolding for me in his chapters from Six Degrees, I realized that he deserved a book of his own. Although a few chapters have been ‘stolen’ from the last book, a lot of new material has expanded the tale.

The book is divided into three parts. The middle section is finished and both the first and third sections are between a third and half complete. I’d like to have the book written in time for Christmas. But after going full-throttle for several weeks, my writing has slowed. Publication might be delayed until sometime in the spring.

I’ve selected a cover artist. I am thrilled to have Phoeline (who drew a wonderful pin-up of L. Roy Connelley for me) join the project. Work is slated to begin in September or October. So if I can meet my Christmas goal, the cover should be ready.

I’m very excited about this book. Readers familiar with my work know that my books are mainly collections of stories with related characters. Archie & Isaac is much more a unified end-to-end novel of the kind I haven’t written since Book III: Hamilton & John. It touches on some difficult and sometimes painful topics.  I am very proud of the way it is shaping up.