Regular Jezebel readers will realize I ripped off the title of today's entry. And I also feel guilty because I think that I am going to violate netiquette by publishing portions of an e-mail, which the writer probably assumed was private. But given that this actually touches on an incident in the very first chapter of LIFE SENTENCES, I feel that's . . . well, no I don't feel that it's justifiable. I just feel like doing it. Here's the note, with my comments in caps.

"Please do not be
offended by my question. [THAT IS: I AM GOING TO SAY SOMETHING OFFENSIVE BUT INSIST YOU GIVE ME DISPENSATION] Why do you use the photo of yourself (such as the
one on the back cover of "LIFE SENTENCES") rather that [CQ] a more updated
picture? As a first time reader, are you not misleading the reader about you
and perhaps your writing? [DANGLING MODIFIER, MUCH?]

I am going to climb out on a limb here and say that no one writes the male writers I know about their photographs unless they want to say "Where can I get a shirt like that?" or "What kind of dog is that?" I am also going to say that I am only 30 months older in the photo on my book, and I also happen to be fifteen pounds lighter with darker, longer hair.

I actually do believe that people buy books because of the cover, as I've said here before. But if you're buying a novel because of the author's photo - -seek help.

How's your day? Mine is actually going swimmingly. In Houston, did a great midday luncheon with the incomparable Murder by the Book, will be at the store tonight. Weather is gorgeous, too.