Back By Popular Demand!

Two things that are going on right now fit this title. First, Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) is being prepped for a second performance; this time over in Cherryville (that's "chur-vul" in local-speak). We had the first brush-up rehearsal tonight, we load in on Saturday, and open next Thursday. Now THAT'll make you take up nail-biting! But it's a funny show, I have solid actors and a backstage crew that could run a catwalk in Milan with a day's notice. I just want to make sure the word gets out - it's a show that needs people. So - August 2, 3, 4 at 7:30; August 5 at 2:30 at the Cherryville Municipal Auditorium. Adults $10; students/seniors $8. There will be refreshments for sale and we'll take straight donations.

Second, as you may have heard, the final installment of Harry Potter is out. Don't worry - this blog is 100% spoiler-free. But I have finished the book and I can say without fear of contradiction, I really, really enjoyed this book. Rowling has a true talent for naming her characters and setting up little bits far in advance that then come back big much later. She's got a strong grasp of story structure and knows how a myth fits together and what makes a tale resonate with readers. You know a story is solid when you dread reaching the ending because you know you'll never again read it for the first time.

And, as my lovely Doctor Who said before the book was out (Time Lords can do that, you know), "Wait 'til you read Book 7! I cried."

Her book's out. Mine's in process. Hardly the same print run, but hey! I'm willing to work my way up. I'm on the home stretch in editing, but of course, I'm going to lose most of next week due to Shakespeare. So let me burn that midnight oil for a few nights . . .