lilies of the field has been sent to the manufacturer/provider. Official release date is September 20th so the end is in sight. Cover art will be posted soon and audio samples will be available through CafePress. A couple of random snippets (B-sides, alternate mixes) will be available through the-NEP.com.

On an unrelated note, I'm starting to wonder what's going on with agents and publishers. I remember the grand ol' days when you'd adhere to their individual predilections so that, at the end of the day, they could send you your self addressed stamped envelope back to you with a lovely little form letter or card saying "thanks, but piss off..." It's the natural order. It's getting nasty-ass fries with your smooshed greasy fast food burger. It might not be the best, but it's the way its always been. It's the American way and dadgummit, we like it this way.

Now, however, apparently my query letters aren't even worth this minimum level of backhanded courtesy. Now they simply send me back my own query letter with a note scrawled on it Most of these notes are about five words long (not counting the unintelligible initials--they don't even sign their full name anymore!) and aren't even insightful. Even panhandlers asking for change get more interaction. Maybe I should just start sending letters asking for a couple bucks for the subway or something--at least then I'd have some way of defraying my expenses on this.

Anyway, here's some playable violence for you all. Enjoy.

-Joe