Miscellaneous Info

If you've submitted a manuscript snail mail, you might want to up the postage on your SASE because on May 12, 2008, postal rates will increase again. All I can say is -- Bah-humbug. You don't even want to know how I feel about another increase. And from what I understand, this is the norm from now on. Every May, postage will increase. Is that true? ARGHHHHH!

I've always had a special relationship with my mailbox. These days it's empty. Believe me when I say, email is just not the same. Some of my old letters from friends go back to the 60's. Actually, I have some of my dad's love letters when he was in the navy. There's nothing as special as a personal note in your mailbox. Guess they'll be a thing of the past...if they aren't already.

So make note: First-Class Mail letters (1 oz.) will increase from $0.41 to $0.42. You can use the Forever Stamps you purchased prior to May 12 at $0.41, even after the price change. All rates are increasing, so weigh your submissions carefully, and affix the proper postage.

While I do love post office boxes and mail receptacles of all kinds, I can't say the same about the telephone book. I can't often find what I'm looking for--in the white pages or the yellow. So when I say there's got to be an interesting way to use the monstrosity of info to our advantage, I'm hoping each of you can come up with something.

Just look how many people are listed in the phone book: addresses and phone numbers. Surely we authors can get creative with that info. It's got to be used for something more than choosing our character's names and holding our office door open.

What say you? Got any 'yellow book' ideas? Share them!