3 Cool Things That Happened When I Turned 36

1. Today's mail brought a vital missing piece of my Joe R. Lansdale library: Texas Night Riders, an early western pulp novel written under the pen name of "Ray Slater." I open up the package, and... bonus! It was signed by Mr. Lansdale hisownself. (This same happy accident happened with a copy of Richard Laymon's The Cellar I ordered last year.) Sometimes, the book gods really do smile upon me.

2. I spent the morning of my birthday writing a comic script about a character celebrating his birthday. I swear, it was a total coincidence. One major difference: I'll most likely end this day with my family, chilling out. This character will most likely end his day getting the shit beat out of him.

3. The Bride and Brood gave me one of the awesomest presents I've received in a long, long time: a plane ticket to Edinburgh. Remember the craziness of Allan Guthrie Week last year? Prepare for the sequel, my friends.

Allan Guthrie Week: "Strap On Yer Kilts... It's Panel Time!"

I've heard through the crime writing grapevine that Sunshine has calmed down quite a bit since yesterday. He's thrown only four cell phones at his handlers--and the fourth, I must say, seems to have greatly exaggerated his injuries. (From what I hear, it's barely even a skull fracture.)

Anyway, Sunshine seems to have settled in quite comfortably. Which is good, because tonight is the big "Tartan Noir" panel, featuring Sunshine, Denise Mina and Ian Rankin, three of the biggest names in that moody little crime subgenre. But is it even a subgenre? Or just a clever bit of marketing shorthand? How much do labels mean to a writer like Ian Rankin, anyway? Is it possible that I'm test-driving some of my moderator questions in this very blog post? Find out tonight!

Actually, I'm fairly sure the event is booked solid, but never fear. Check back late tomorrow for a complete rundown. Wish us luck. And by "us," I mean "me." (Everyone else is a stone cold pro.)