"When Chekhov saw the long winter, he saw a winter bleak and dark and bereft of hope. Yet we know that winter is just another step in the cycle of life. But standing here among the people of Punxsutawney and basking in the warmth of their hearths and hearts, I couldn't imagine a better fate than a long and lustrous winter."--Phil Connors, Groundhog Day

Man, was it hard saving this surprise for today.

Hundreds of people have helped me and the family since the fire. Before the fire, even, the regulars could be counted on for a laugh or a Poor Baby or encouragement. But, wow, so many people in total, and it is so amazing to me still. It changed my life as surely as the fire did.

I have racking my brains for months trying to think of something wonderful to give back. The answer came to me at a pretty low moment last week. It came in a flash, and it was so damn obvious I couldn't believe I hadn't thought of it before. But it was so clear, and so right, I wanted to come straight home and post, "HEY! GUESS! WHAT?!"

Anyway, this is what I am giving everyone: early in the new year, Cathedral Child and Clockwork Angels will be online for free, in their entirety, for, well, ever.
I know many people have found the books difficult to find, or have been broke as hell, or been meaning to get to them, or know me because of the fire instead of my work.
Now you can read two hundred pages of Texas Steampunk goodness gratis. It's a little bit back to comics lovers for what they've given me.

“In the midst of winter, I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer.”--Albert Camus (also written on the wall of my favorite room in our old house, and will be written on the new one, too)

Merry Winter, everyone. Thanks so much for being there.