Thursday, July 24th, 2008 - 5:04 p.m.

Hi Everyone!

It's been a while since my last journal update. I've been doing mostly videos since January, and I thought it might be fun to just do an old fashioned 'blog.'

First of all, a message for all young authors attending the upcoming August Author Quest: you're going to have a blast! We've been preparing ever since our June camp (actually, we've been preparing since last year) and we're ready. Camp is already pretty full, but there is still a couple of spaces available. If you're interested, get your application and essay in right away!

I've been super-busy with several projects, which is why I haven't updated my journal in a month. Due to the success of the Meijer 'Read It Up!' program, I've been asked to write another story that will be serialized in The Saginaw News and Bay City Times. I just finished it this week. It's called 'Field of Screams,' and I think it will freak a lot of people out! Look for the story to begin in September. Also: the story 'The Ghost of Gratiot Road,' which was serialized last year, will finally be available in book form. I had no intention of doing this, but there have been so many calls and requests, that I decided to publish it as a short novella. Look for it in August or September . . . but it will only be available at select Meijer stores, and all proceeds will benefit Meijer's 'Read It Up!' program for children's literacy. Cool, huh?

Chillermania! has been REALLY busy this summer! We've had people come in from every single state except Idaho and Hawaii! Isn't that cool! There have even been some visitors from England, Scotland, Australia, Canada, Mexico, and one family from the Czech Republic. Chillermania is taking over the world!

I made a surprise visit to Chillermania!, a few days ago, and it turned into a book signing . . .

Last week, I had a reading at DeVoe Beach in Indian River. I've done this every year for the past four years, and it's always a great time . . .

Every year for the past four years, my friend Keahna and I compare guns at DeVoe Beach . . .

And now for some exciting news:

I'm happy to report we have a new addition to our family! We adopted a dog on Saturday (black lab mix) that's been at AuSable Valley Animal Shelter in Grayling, Michigan, for over a year. (Mrs. Chillers and I volunteer there.) Mrs Chillers had been working with this particular dog all that time in hopes of getting him adopted into a good family, but no one has even looked at him. He's about five years old, and we've named him 'Spooky Dude.' He's very smart, knows his basic commands, great in the house . . . just an all around awesome dog. Gets along great with Scooby-Boo. Lily Munster doesn't like him yet, but we're monitoring their time together and working to iron out the chain of command and dominance issues. Spooky Dude a really sweet guy, and we're lucky to have him. I just can't believe he stayed in the shelter for an entire year. This guy really deserves a good home. If you're looking for a new best friend, please consider visiting your local animal shelter. There are many dogs and cats in shelters across the country, and they're all looking for a good home . . . maybe yours!

And now . . . introducing Spooky Dude!

Here's a picture of him as he was leaving the shelter . . .

In the truck on the way to his new home . . .

Treats for everyone!

Relaxing on the couch . . .

Relaxing on the deck . . .

Relaxing in the living room . . .

Although Spooky Dude is a Black Lab mix, it doesn't appear that he's ever been in the lake. At first, he was very frightened. But, after seeing how much fun Lily Munster and Scooby-Boo were having, he got up his courage and even jumped off the dock on this own! It'll only be a matter of time before he's a champion dock jumper, just like Scooby-Boo. More dock jumping videos on the way, too. Check back soon! Here we are after our time at the lake today . . .

I'm going to wrap it up here. Don't forget: I'll be at Chillermania! this Sunday from 10am - 1pm. Free posters, bookmarks, and pencils for everyone!

Best wishes, happy reading, and . . . WRITE ON!