We’re Off to See the Wizard!

"The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" was published 126 years ago on Sept. 1, 1900. It was, of course, the first book about the Marvelous Land of Oz. More than 40 tales followed: Ozma of Oz, Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz, The Road to Oz, and so on. I am a huge fan. In the picture above, you can see some of the 50 Oz books I own. The earliest one is from 1903.

I got hooked on Oz when I first saw the 1939 movie. I was probably 4 or 5 years old. Soon after, I began reading the books, checking them out from the public library. Then, when I was 8, I got a part — two parts, actually — in the community theater production of “The Wizard of Oz.” I played one of the jitterbugs, playful insects that force you to dance, and a soldier in the Emerald City army.

Ironically, or I guess, by design, the main character in my novel, Riley Shrader, is also an Oz fan, and he, too, was an Emerald City soldier. I suppose some will say that Riley is based on me, that the book is semi-autobiographical. I ain’t necessarily so, but there are some common aspects of the character that ring true. Like me, he is short, plays the sax, is a long-distance runner, reads comic books, and looks up at the stars. Other than that … henh.

Anyway …

The production work on my book is coming along. Formatting is essentially done. A cover is on the way. I have an ISBN, and the book is registered in the Library of Congress! Soon, I will get a proof copy to check over. When does it come out? No word yet. Hopefully in late September or early October. Hang with me! I’m very excited!