After an absence of (mumble, mumble) months, THE BLOG IS BACK!  What’s the reason for this mysterious absence? Why the sudden reappearance? Why should anyone care?

To answer these and other probing questions, I have gained unprecedented access to myself for a no holds barred, down-and-dirty interview that asks the questions no one else dares. For the first time ever, I ask myself the questions that must be asked and demand answers.

Disapproving interviewer

Me: So, Brian…. Whatever happened to that “I swear to blog at least once a week. Probably on Mondays” thing. You know, the one you mentioned in the new manifesto of your blog.

Me: Ugh, I know, right?  I suck. That’s all I can really say. I suck on toast.  But, if it means anything, I’ve been busy.

Me: We’re ALL busy, Brian.

Me: I know, I know. Remember? I suck.  But here’s the sitch.  The short version is that I found myself on deadline for two books simultaneously.  I needed to turn in the second book of my middle grade series and, at the same time, I got my editorial notes on the first book.  This was actually kind of cool, because it gave me a chance to look at both books back to back and address some continuity issues.  But it made for a TON of work in a relatively short amount of time.

Me: Cry me a river.

Me: Hey, I’m trying here. So most of my life for the past couple months was devoted to finishing the second book and re-writing the first.  It was great to have my editor’s notes on book one while working on book two.  It allowed me to tailor it a bit more, knowing which elements she wanted me to bring out and which could be softer.

Me: How’d it go?

Me:  Pretty well, I think. Wrote a lot of new material for the new book, based on my editor’s awesome notes.  I’m feeling much more confident about it now.  I’ve even got a shiny new (non-official) synopsis up on my Middle Grade page that gives a clearer idea of what the book is about.  It’s currently set to publish in Fall 2012.  And I’ve heard some exciting things about the cover. Can’t wait until I have stuff to share in that regard.

Me: Okay, fine, you were writing. But lots of people are busy writing.  Andrew Smith is working hard on his books and manages to blog every day.  What’s your excuse?

Me: Well, Andrew Smith is a god.  How can I compete with that?  Also, that thing about me sucking? Yeah, that.

Humble, repentant interviewee

Me: Maybe you need a class in time management.

Me: Maybe yo momma does.

Me: What?

Me: Nothing.  I do feel bad. But busy is busy. I even had to neglect my monthly post to Smack Dab in the Middle (the guilt of which still gnaws at me). I think I’m back on track now.  I mean, I’m not convinced that troves of people read this blog anyway. The only comments I get are spam. Lots and lots and LOTS of spam. But, hey, I’d like to have a web presence. And Twitter (@BrianFarrey) is just soooo much more geared to my attention span.

Me: So, you’ll be blogging weekly again?

Me: That’s the plan. You’ll forgive me if I get off track?

Me:  No.

Me: Oh.

Me: Mercy is for the weak, man.

Me: I’ll keep that in mind.  I’ve got a few posts planned for the near future so, fingers crossed, this will once again be a hub for the inane and unusual.

Me: I’ll alert the media.