(Otter at Play- Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Ready to relax.
CALLIOPE: From what?
JOE: A busy week of working on my writing and its business aspects. I'm sure my friend Gerry would think I am going overboard with it.
CALLIOPE: What did you accomplish this week?
JOE: I overhauled my website at www.slidingotter.com, put the finishing touches on my free newsletter, Sliding Otter News, whose inaugural issue goes out today, sent a column to The Daily News. Those are the major things.
CALLIOPE: You have been busy. Why the newsletter?
JOE: I have been sending copies of my column to people around the country. I thought It was about time I formalized it and used it as a way to communicate with people interested in my writing.
CALLIOPE: I see. Now what?
JOE: It's time to relax, at least a little.
CALLIOPE: I guess you earned it. How will you relax?
JOE: I am planning a week in the Caribbean on a cruise.
CALLIOPE: Will I hear from you during the trip?
JOE: Good question. I'll try to keep in touch but no promises. Talk with you on Monday.

(Sea Lions- Pier 39, San Francisco)

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: A little sluggish.
CALLIOPE: How so?
JOE: Hard to tell. Sometimes I get off to little slower start. Today is one of these days.
CALLIOPE: What are you up to today?
JOE: Now that I have my column on perfection finished for Saturday, I will turn to other matters. I have been thinking about a newsletter.
CALLIOPE: What are you thinking?
JOE: I have been sending my column to a growing list of people. I have considered making it into a newsletter with quotes, photos and writing news as well as the column.
CALLIOPE: Sounds interesting. Who would you invite?
JOE: People already on my mailing list as well as people I have met in various online groups and whom I have established as friends.
CALLIOPE: Sounds like a good start. How are you doing otherwise with making people aware of your work?
JOE: I've been thinking about that too. I haven't done any local publicity for my book yet but have started exploring options for radio stations and the newspaper. I am also looking at a reader forum at church.
CALLIOPE: So at least the wheels are turning.
JOE: They are. Now I'm ready for the day. Thanks for listening. Talk with you tomorrow.