Today is the launch of my novella, A FAMILIAR BEAST (Official pub date is Dec 1, but the book is now available from the publisher in a limited “launch” edition).

I cycled through at least half a dozen starts to this inaugural blog, but as they were all either falsely frivolous or clumsily solemn, I ended up deleting them. Of course, I’m excited and anxious, even elated, but rarely do these feelings make for good sentences unless appended to a human being.

Instead I am sharing my acknowledgments, because unlike so many of my haplessly self-interested and (I hope, entertainingly) irresolute characters, I believe that gratitude should be a public affair, and grievance a private one.

I would like to thank Deena Drewis, my visionary editor, for her invaluable insights. Daniel D’Arcy, your beautiful jacket defied all my expectations. Thank you to Darcy Cosper, Tim Fitts, Matthew Freeman, Greg Henderson, Deborah Treisman, and Paul Wernick, who read an early version of the book, and to Meredith Arthur, Kimberly Burns, Colin Dickerman, and Sara Mercurio, for weighing in on the question of titles. David Daley demonstrated unflagging enthusiasm, discernment, and friendship in nearly every aspect of the publication process. Stefan Kiesbye, Adam Langer, Jim Lynch, Jean Nathan, and all those who showed their support, thank you for your kindness.

Most of all, I am indebted to my wife, Molly, whose encouragement, sensitivity, and passion for writing—this enduring and inconvenient mania—have proven essential to my happiness. As has she.

Click here for a link to the Nouvella Books website.