From Dozer

Some general life-related thingies:

When looking at apartments, the first question I ask myself is “Where would be put the vacuum cleaner?” It’s surprising how often the answer is, “To live here, we would have to get rid of the vacuum cleaner.” It’s not that I’m so enamored of vacuuming, but if you don’t have room to stash a vacuum cleaner, then you don’t have room to stash a body.

No, pretend I didn’t say that. It’s all about the vacuum cleaner. FWOOOOSSSSSSSSSH

I guess “fwoosh” isn’t really a good vacuum cleaner noise. Maybe “VVVVZZZZZZZZZZZZHH”? No. How about “ZHUUUUUUUUUUUUH”?

Some book-related thingies:

I’ve got a couple of book signings next month. I’m also attempting to configure at least one in the LA area and one in Orange County so that I can look you right in the eye when I say, “Yes, I am doing a Southern California book tour.” For now, here’s what I’ve got:

The Yellow Book Road , San Diego
June 23, 1:00pm

Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore, San Diego
June 25, 2pm
Teens & Tween Summer Reading
Signing along with Cynthia Hand (UNEARTHLY) and Timothy Power (THE BOY WHO HOWLED)

Also, a library event in July:

Santee Public Library

Lunch With Authors (appearing with Kirsten Hubbard, Cindy Pon, Barrie Summy)
July 5
12:00pm – 1:00pm

Daryl Gregory, who’s a pal and the current focus of my professional jealousy for the work he’s doing writing The Planet of the Apes comic book, posted a luverly review of The Boy at the End of the World.

And here’s a review of Kid vs. Squid from the mom of a six year-old. I love reading about parents and their kids interacting with my books.