Well, since I was a fairly good lad this past year, dear old Santa Claus gave me a wonderful gift last week.  My new mystery novel, CAPONE ISLAND, was chosen as the “Best Mystery of 2019” by my distinguished publisher, Murder Ink Press.  (I usually get coal)  There was a lovely cash prize attached to the award, but it will be donated to a worthy charity down here in the Lone Star State.  By the way, ALL of my December book royalties will also be donated to the Texas Children’s Hospital, so now would be a swell time to purchase a book.

I am donating this huge sum of loot in order to curry favor with the man upstairs. (And please note that there is a difference between “curry favor” and “curry flavor.”)  I do hope that you-know-who keeps this in mind when considering me for admittance through the pearly gates!  But in all seriousness, or most seriousness, the Texas Children’s Hospital could use your support, so if you’re looking for a good stocking stuffer, think of me.  (Many folks have previously told me to stuff it!)

My wife thinks I’m crazy, but I’m not the one who married me!

So what else is new?  Well, for those of you following my literary career, you will be happy to learn that I am getting close to finishing my new non-fiction masterpiece, which is titled GONE BEFORE GLORY.  (The remarkable tale of William McKinley and his deranged assassin, Leon Czolgosz.)  I am presently on page 300 and have about 125 more pages to go.  My incredible publisher is looking at a Spring 2020 release date, but I think that might be a little optimistic.  (Fall would be my guess.)

Just for the record, writing can be an arduous task.  But, as you might imagine, I am very disciplined.  (stop laughing!)  I rise at dawn and immediately get to work.  (Well, look, it must be dawn somewhere, just not in Texas)  I’ve found that the first five days after the weekend are the hardest.  The secret to staying awake late into the night is simple, just eat a lot of chocolate.  (Hey, chocolate comes from Cocoa, which is a tree.  That makes it a plant…  So chocolate is actually a salad!)

Just for the record, chocolate will also keep you looking young and handsome.  (I made that up)  Incidentally, don’t you hate it when you see a familiar old person and then realize that you went to school together?  What’s up with that?

I just ordered a chicken and an egg from Amazon.  I’ll let you know which one came first.

One last word of warning about chocolate…..  it can be addictive and fattening.  I actually gave it up last year.  My goal was to lose 15 pounds last year.  Only 20 to go!  I don’t think women realize how handsome my grand-daughters think I am.  Just saying.

Before I take my leave, (not the leaves on my lawn) I would like to wish each and every one of you a most Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Fun-Filled Festivus.  It has been a joy and a pleasure chatting with all of you this past year, and I look forward to another round of (mostly awful) jokes next year!  Don’t forget to leave Santa some milk and cookies!  (Or, if you live in Texas, some tequila and lime!)  See you sometime in 2020!  Happy New Year!

Love to all,

Doc Yanoff