The winter months have truly been broadcast among us with raging winds, blowing snow, and three-foot drifts in the front yard with the life of a writer in search of New York gazing out the window. My writing has brought me out of the creative studio and into the pragmatism of the upstairs table. Magazine articles and paper columns completed for the month, efforts begin anew for that mysterious path to one of the big five companies. Thus New York. I am fortunate to have a great book team that allows me to continue my passion, and I have marvelous editors for the publications I write for, but I have faced the grim norm of “you ain’t nothin’ till a NY Times moniker hangs from the byline.” My search has been haphazard mostly because the principle of someone judging my work over a missed comma or a letter that doesn’t do justice to 83,000 words seems erratic to me. The junction of talent and discovery is lost on a subjective whim, and I suspect, how much one can profit. I am not naive to think the reality is otherwise, but I would love a chance to test the waters of the big ocean. In part because my intentions are different: I wish to remain a social capitalist and have everyone around me profit as much, or more, than I. Why? Because that is what creates successful community. The spread of wealth versus the hoarding portends a future all may inherit. The other intention is to finally have a book good enough, and strong enough, to make center stage. Booksellers all over the country, but mostly Matt at McLean & Eakin, have told me that the story needs to have a soul. I have written such a story, but oh so difficult is it to make the right people read it. Thus far, most have loved The Penny, while others found it alluring or missed the meanings. That tells me I’m more than three-quarters the way there. I need to make sure all take something from this book, versus reading it just for the sake of reading it. I shall continue that pursuit as I embark on a new work having fun in a totally different direction. Enjoy the winter and the hibernation. Relax in its peace.