It's over--this time for good

This will be the last post of The Naked Truth about Literature and Life. The bad news is we are too busy writing books to continue blogging. The good news is we are too busy writing books to continue blogging. And since we started this project together, we have chosen to end it together. And now for our good-byes.

Jacqueline Winspear

It was almost four years ago that Patty emailed me to ask if I would be interested in this idea she’d had for a blog – nakedauthors.com: The Naked Truth About Literature and Life. Now, you know I’m the in-house techno-phobe, and I wasn’t really sure I knew how to blog – I’m not exactly a big presence in cyberspace (except through online ordering of equine-related products), and it seemed to me that many blogs took the form of glorified text messages. But I liked the idea and she’d pulled together a great team, so I said, “OK, I’m in.” Being of the, “No, you go first” school of new experiences, I bagged the Friday slot so I could see what my fellow nakeds did with their posts.

And what a ride it’s been from that first week. We’ve covered just about every issue to do with the writing, reading and publishing of books; we’ve shared our laughs, our losses, our good times and bad with you, and you’ve been left in no doubt where we all stand on everything from the Bush administration, to healthcare, elder care and teen care. We’ve shared our thoughts on gun control, global warming and hair color, and you probably know more about my horses than you ever wanted to know. And along the way we gathered quite a following – yes, we know you’re out there, the lurkers on the sidelines as well as our regulars who comment. Thank you for turning up at the house of Naked Authors every day. And thank you for this great experience. Many blessings to you all.

James O. Born

A couple of years ago my buddy, Paul Levine, convinced me to join Naked Authors after reading my blog on Amazon. In all the time since then I have really enjoyed the chance to share my views and point out fine writing (usually by my friends). I hope to keep in touch with those of you who always left comments. It will be a few weeks before I start realizing I don’t have to come with something for the blog each Thursday. I can’t complain about having too many projects to work on and needing to pare down my load. So I’ll check out on a high note and say, “Hope to see you soon.”

Ridley Pearson

Well, it's time to put the clothes back on. I have to say, being Naked as been a blast -- not so much the writing part, but the reading. I've been really honored to be a part of this group for the past year, and to read the daily contributions. But duty calls. I've been writing four books a year for the past three or four years, and this year is looking to be much the same. The regular deadline of writing copy for the blog proved to be the straw that broke my back.

Writing is such an honor -- that is, making a living at it -- that I want to honor the reader by putting all my energies into the various books and projects I have ahead of me in 2010. To Paulie, Patty and the gang: hats off for a job well done! The Naked Authors blog has been entertaining, educational, and something I looked forward to reading each day. I feel I've made four new friends. Close friends. I will miss you all.

Paul Levine

We’re done? Already?

I will likely say the same thing on my deathbed. Which brings to mind Woody Allen’s philosophy of life, told as a joke in “Annie Hall.”

Two women are discussing their vacation in a Catskills hotel. "The food here is just horrible," one complains.

"And such little portions," the other says.

"That's my theory of life,” Woody says. “Full of loneliness and misery and suffering....and it's all over too quickly."

I hope that brightened your day.

I will miss my fellow naked scribblers’ posts and all your witty and wise comments. As for my blatherings, please feel free to “friend me” on Facebook where I’m pontificating on popular entertainment, crime fiction, and college football. That’s everything that interests me, other than Thai foot massage.

Well, as Woody used to say in his stand-up, I’d like to leave you with something positive. But not having anything, would you take two negatives?

Patricia Smiley

Some say all good things must come to an end, but that doesn’t make it any easier. Thanks to everyone who has read our posts and contributed words of wisdom. Some of you have been with us since the beginning and we now consider you part of our family. We’ll miss you. This blogging thing has been a learning experience and a great deal of fun. Cheers to all. I'll leave you with this:

FADE TO BLACK