So now we come to the point where we must have an author photo for publicity purposes. From what I've been able to gather, this involves hiring a photographer to take the photo, then photoshopping/airbrushing/manipulating it within an inch of its life, then finally releasing it into the world.

If it's good enough for Jonathan Franzen, it's good enough for me.

I've talked to a local photographer, and I'm envisioning a black-and-white studio portrait, along with three or four "location" portraits. Waking Lazarus, my first novel, takes place in the town of Red Lodge, Montana. So, I'm thinking I should have my photo taken at a couple of places around Red Lodge.

Idea #1: Under the nifty-yet-politically-incorrect neon sign at the Red Lodge Cafe. Why? A few key scenes in the novel take place here, and, well, it's a cool neon sign.

Idea #2: Standing in a grain field (probably a stubblefield now, since most grain in these parts has been harvested). I'm kind of picturing a giant combine/harvester looming in the background behind me, because that seems somewhat menacing. Again, you may wonder why. Grain fields are something of a recurring theme in the novel. Call it my weak attempt to echo John Steinbeck. I've emailed Karen (she of karbonkountymoos fame), and she has been gracious enough to offer one of her very own fields for the occasion--should my photographer agree that it's a worthwhile shot.

Idea #3: Um, I don't know. Perhaps Wild Bill Lake, since it's a key scene in the climax of the book. Perhaps the City Bakery in downtown Red Lodge, since it gives me an excuse to go inside and have a schnecken. Perhaps the Red Lodge Cemetery, because I'm morbid. No seriously, I feel I need to have something that looks mysterious/otherworldly/creepy (well, maybe not creepy, since it's ME in the photo). After all, that's the kind of stuff I write--no one wants to flip open a novel of supernatural suspense and see some guy with a cheddar-eatin' grin. At least, I don't think they do.

Idea #4: You tell me. Any author photos you particularly love? (Or hate?) Tell me about 'em.