Went to the dentist last week for the first time in 3 years. I love my dentist because as he says, "We don't do guilt here." And I have no cavities or anything else bad, but he wanted me to have my teeth cleaned, so I went and did that today. I also had the annual physical last week. And I'm taking the cat to the vet next week. And cleaning out the closet. Why all these unpleasant errands? Because (as you know if you read the other blog, and the fact that I'm talking about the same thing on both blogs is a sign of how obsessed I am) the reviews are starting to come in for ABSENT FRIENDS, so I'm edgy and uncomfortable anyway.

The first 2 reviews were without qualification great. The 3rd, great with one qualification. I'll post them when I get the okay from Bantam, just in case you feel the need to read them. But the other pre-reviews are coming -- being the ones in the trades, before the book comes out -- and then, of course, the REAL reviews, in the newspapers, etc.

I don't get this way every time. My other books I did not confuse with myself. Reviews of them were not considered by me reviews of me. But, by God, this one I do. What can I say? I'll get over it. But not until all parties are heard from.