So we're on the homestretch for Faces in the Fire, my next novel releasing this summer. I'm looking at final galleys even as we speak (a process that makes me even more neurotic than usual, but that's, as they say, another story).

I think Faces in the Fire is my most ambitious work to date. Writing it stretched me in new ways, and that's a Very Good Thing.

But here's the thing. Now begins the time when I hold my breath, waiting for the first reviews (I know a couple of Advance Reading Copies are floating around). And to tell you the truth, I'm not too great about holding my breath.

I've been criticized for hitting the wacky button a few times too many in my previous works. I can see how some folks would have that reaction, but hey, I'm an alien, and that's the way I roll. (Sorry, thought I was Alec Baldwin for a second.)

I've never been the kinda guy who writes neat, tidy stories where every loose end gets addressed. I happen to like loose ends, because they make the reader fill in some of the details. And Faces in the Fire turns that up to eleven, so I worry some folks might not hang with me.

It's four inter-connected novellas that combine to tell one larger story. But it leaves a lot of unanswered questions. There are bizarre events and oddities that just don't get explained.

On top of that, the book follows a very non-linear narrative; the scenes are out of order, so you have to piece the story together as you read.

I'll post tidbits and other information about the book as we near the release date, but howzabout a quick look at each of the novellas?

FIRST STANZA: CLOTH GHOSTS
A long-haul truck driver/artist communicates with ghosts trapped in clothing--and discovers what they want from him.

SECOND STANZA: BOTTOM FEEDER
A computer expert, battling cancer, receives a mysterious email that could lead to a cure for her...and thousands of others.

THIRD STANZA: CHASING DRAGONS
A tattoo artist’s creations begin to come to life, revealing scenes of the future.

FINAL STANZA: MINUS MIDAS
A man whose simple touch can kill is recruited as a mafia hit man.

As I said: I like the wacky button. I like the puzzle-like aspect of the book. I like the intersections of the stories. I like the unresolved mysteries.

Maybe because that's the way life itself operates. My life is certainly a wacky, intersecting, unresolved puzzle at times.

But above all, I like having readers who are willing to swallow the blue pill and see where the rabbit hole goes. So as always, thanks for taking the journey with me.