“You should have seen him at the Christmas Market,” said Aunt Anne. “Every chance he got, he’d be over there with a mettwurst in one hand and a glass of glühwein in the other.”

“But they’re not available all year round; you have to make the most of the opportunity,” Uncle Jim protested in self defense.

“What do you put on it?” asked Jackie.

“Oh, the same as any sausage: ketchup, mustard, sauerkraut, peppers and onions,” replied Aunt Anne. “Whatever you fancy.”

“And a pair of goggles,” added Uncle Jim. “They have a tendency to spit when you bite into them. If you’re not careful, they can take out an eye.”

The Elf of Luxembourg

I’ve been asked about the use of the Death Head image for the profile on the Facebook page – somewhat on the morbid side, wouldn’t you say?

Yes, probably, but the profile image comes from the pages of First Night. Here in New England, you’ll find the Death Head tombstone is quite common, as it is the most familiar icon on the tombstones from the Puritan Period. Even Sarah Pemberton’s tombstone in the Boston Granary has this symbol (Yes, my inspiration for the ghost of Sarah Pemberton really did die in 1688 and is buried there).

So it may be a little morbid, but in a fun, nostalgic, sort of way, it brings back happy memories of me wandering around Boston in the cold and snow, researching the history behind the story.

Regards,

Tom

Congratulations to Alexis Bruner for being the winner of this month’s fan giveaway (just for liking my facebook page) - her prize is an autographed copy of First Night.

But wait . . . there is more this week.

I’ve run out of Halloween candy, but I do have a second copy of First Night to give away. It’s the witching season! What better than an old fashioned ghost story. Is Sarah Pemberton a witch? Go to my facebook page and answer the following question and you may get to find out for free. In 7 day’s time, I’ll select a fan at random from the ones who answer.

“What is the scariest book you’ve ever read?”

Regards,

Tom