After some welcome distractions (the birth of my first grandbaby, Ellie Sophia) and some unwelcome ones (like dealing with water damage in our kitchen and dining room) I am finally getting back to serious work on the next Street Story Novel, Cry Baby Cry.

My goals now are to finish the first draft by May 1, have edits completed by the end of May, and get the book released in time to take copies with me when I participate in Chicago’s Printers Row Festival Sunday, June 10.

To meet those goals, I am calling on friends, family and fans to hold me accountable. I don’t care how you do it. You can bug me by asking me “How many words did you write today?” every time you see me, or shame me if my answer is “Um, none,” or encourage me by telling me you can’t wait to find out what happens to Jo next time, or leave glowing reviews of the Street Stories books you’ve already read.

And you can start by clicking the quote below to read the latest excerpt posted on my Birthing the Next Book blog and let me know what you think. I would love to dedicate Cry Baby Cry to everyone who does even the tiniest bit to help me get this book done.

Jo turned to see Martin Oberhaus smiling widely. His teeth were as white and well ordered as the lion’s mane of hair on his head. He could have been the grandfather of the family pictured on the poster.