1. Very much commercial: I've closed my eBay store, which is where I was selling my old author copies (as the sole source of mint- or brand-new-condition signed first editions). Sales had been dwindling and I've had four straight months where the store was wobbling around breaking even, nor did I see much prospect of bringing in vast hordes of new buyers. I think the collector population is pretty much all Barnesed up, and eBay stores, while wonderful from a convenience standpoint for both buyer and seller, are also somewhat costly.
2. This doesn't mean I'm not still selling signed first editions (and foreign editions and other good things). I'm putting together a catalog/pricelist, which I will make available to newsletter subscribers as soon as I finish it, and to everyone on request around November 15 (i.e. at the start of holiday shopping, the six weeks during which I've usually made about half my sales for the year).
3. And speaking of the newsletter, another one is imminent, with various news of various Barnesian projects, plus a longish essay (usually 2000-6000 words) that I pledge will never go anywhere other than to newsletter subscribers. (Permission to quote is however readily granted). If you've ever bought anything from me via eBay, or the e-Junkie service, or directly, then you're on the list unless you asked not to be. You can also get on it by emailing me via the link to the right. I hand manage the list, so all formats are fine -- any way in which you tell me you want your email address added is good. (And of course you can also drop me a note asking to be taken off). I have hopes the newsletter will go out tonight or tomorrow morning. (And if you see this too late, nil desperandum; I always send the previous newsletter to new requests).
4. Cider House Rules, in which I am acting, is getting great reviews and pretty good buzz in Denver, so if you were thinking of seeing it, since the house is small (the back row is the third row!) you may want to get tickets soon (it plays through Sept. 30).
5. A chapter of Tales of the Madman Underground has been adapted for performance by Denver's own One Night Stand Theater. Jim O'Leary has done his usual splendid job at converting page prose to stage poetry, and I'm pretty excited that this is going to be performed, on Sunday, October 7. (Denver area SF writer Steve Raznik Tem also has a story in the performance, so you know this is a class operation all the way). Details and ticket orders here.
6. More stuff soon. I'm still having thoughts, it's just the paid gigs are eating up typing time. See you all soon.
