John Foley

We take our young son (4 months) swimming on Saturdays, and last week, while leading him through the water, envisioning him as the next Michael Phelps (minus the bong), another baby puked in the water. “That’s nothing,” said the instructor helpfully. “You wouldn’t believe how many kids pee in this pool. This pool is probably half-pee.” I think I may let my wife take over hands-on instruction from now on while I cheer from the deck, snap pictures and otherwise stay dry…And if I MUST get in that pool again, I will wear my wetsuit.

April will be a busy month, with two books coming out. In addition to A Mighty Wall, a novel about a young climber, I have another novel being released called Remembering Erin. I keep telling everyone that Remembering Erin is a literary love story, but I suppose that makes me, technically — I can barely bring myself to write this — a Romance Novelist…Well, what the hell, embrace reality, right? I will have the cover image of this novel on my published books page at the end of the month (you can see it now at www.blacklyonpublishing.com/generalfiction.html), and so far I’ve received one fine quote for the book jacket. The protagonist in Remembering Erin is a sportswriter in Chicago and Alaska, so it seemed natural that I approach a sportswriter in Chicago and Alaska for a blurb. Lew Freedman knows the geographic terrain of both places, and I knew from reading his columns and books that he’d also grasp the emotional terrain. Lew’s many books include Game of My Life, about the White Sox, An illustrated History of the Chicago Bears and my favorite, Thunder on the Tundra. Here’s what he said about Remembering Erin: “An absorbing story of loss, regret and wisdom gained, this love story is both penetrating and painful, yet also hopeful. Sean Mulaney is likeable and sensitive so the reader feels his despair. This story will make you wonder about all of the mistakes you might have made in your youth when you were immature and perhaps wonder about someone who came and went from your life. Mixed in with the coming-to-grips tale of consuming love are some appealing action moments in the wilds of Alaska and in the world of martial arts. When our protagonist confronts a humongous basketball player — for good cause — who expects to smear the floor with him, it is a priceless moment to savor.” Thanks, Lew, and best wishes with your own writing.

Well, A Mighty Wall went to the printer and I received a couple of preview copies – and I’m thrilled! So far I’m batting .500 for trade reviews (Booklist glowed; Kirkus glowered), but as my man A.D. advises, do your dance and don’t worry about the critics. I enjoyed dancing up A Mighty Wall, even if I’m not a real climber…My friends know me as a Bounder, which translates, roughly, as a hiker with spirit (“Bounders don’t whine”) and a motto (“Every man for himself”). Wishing Bounders everywhere mountains o’ joy.

Lately I’ve been seeking cover blurbs for my novels, and it was nice today to return the favor. This is the blurb I gave Bobbie Pyron for her terrific novel “The Ring,” about a young boxer: “Mardie Wolfe seems down for the count. This teen has troubles galore and doesn’t see the fans in her corner. The discipline of boxing brings her up from the canvas in Bobbie Pyron’s compelling novel, which is rich in detail and utterly convincing. All the characters ring true, and Mardie is especially vivid – smart, funny and honest as a straight left to the snot-locker.”