In reviewing the last podcast, it struck me that the “bitter end” line in chapter seventeen might not actually be mine. I have a vague recollection of overhearing it. For some reason, it seems like a conversation my parents might have had . . . but neither of them do crosswords. So it’s probably an obscure line from somewhere that got lodged in the wrong spot of my head.

Sigh. I’m pretty sure that I’m going to have to come up with something new. Which is disappointing because the damn thing works so well in the context of the story. It’s clean, simple, and memorable . . . all the more reason, of course, to suspect that I might have inadvertently swiped it.

And how did I solve my three-headed dragon problem? Well, I gave each one of them the same damn voice. Extra credit points to the savvy listener who can figure out which Hollywood actor I was badly imitating for the character.

I was all set to record the next few chapters this past weekend, but then I came down with a mildly annoying cold and/or flu which left my throat raw and caked with rust colored plaque. I couldn’t talk for more than a few minutes without needing water and/or coughing.

I was still pretty crusty tonight and figured I’d just get caught up this next weekend . . . until I got an unexpected IM from a listener, letting me know how much they enjoyed the book so far.

Which pretty much made my night. While the response has been pretty positive overall, hearing from a stranger out there who took the time to download and listen to the podcast . . . well, that’s really quite something different altogether.

So, those of you who were waiting for the next chapter, you have a Celtic Goddess to thank for it. Chapter eighteen has been podcast, along with a little interlude to get you in the mood. Enjoy. There’s some really fun stuff in these latest chapters. It gets very, very good from here on out.

And what of The Undertaker Story, you ask?

It’s coming along. I discovered that it’s a much more dishonest story than I realized — at least, the fellow who wrote it way back when was certainly lying to himself. I’m taking care of that as I go along. And the story is all the better for it.

Should be done in a week or so. Not sure what I do with it from there. Stay tuned for details…