In the dream time

snow, blowing snow, temps minus 6

Well, March has come in like a lion. Do you have that expression where you live? We say if March comes in like a lion it goes out like a lamb. Not sure that's true, but I hope so - given the storm raging outside. When I let the dogs out I noticed the huge snowbanks that had been sculpted by the wind and the eddies. Particularity off the stone walls. It looks like a sculpture park out there. And if the sun comes out and the wind dies down it's going to be stunning.

But I think this storm is supposed to last all day and into the night. We have to go out tonight, as we do every Saturday. Oh, well. It's worth it.

Have a wonderful review of The Cruellest Month in today's The Scotsman newspaper in (can you guess?) Scotland. It's the lead review and at the end they say 'There's real pleasure here.' What a nice line. And that's what I aim for in the books. Not to scare the pants off you. Not to fill you with dread. But the opposite really. To have you smile at the end. Be filled with pleasure, and peace. And the certainty that while terrible things can happen - goodness exists. Kindness exists.

This is such an exciting month for me, as those of you who've received today's Newsletter know. I won't repeat it all but just a little.

THE CRUELEST MONTH is launching - on Tuesday - across the US!!!!
A FATAL GRACE continues to boom off shelves in the US.
DEAD COLD/A FATAL GRACE launches in Germany to huge press.
STILL LIFE launches in Russia.

And, I'm heading out on the US tour - in about a week.

In the meantime I write by the fireplace. This really is my dream but every now and then I get overwhelmed with fear, and want to run away. Want to stay in bed, want to eat every cake ever baked. Want to hide - and do anything but write and tour.

Then I remember. This is my dream. And not all of it's easy, but every single minute is a blessing.

Thanks for your company - makes it so much fun.