Contact Paul privately at paulmccomas@mail.com. Dear Mr. McComas: When I read the first chapter of Unplugged, I was hooked; I managed to read the book in a couple of hours. When I finished and wanted to read it all over again, I realized that it was my favorite book. Many people must tell you that Dayna reminded them of a part of themselves or a situation that they have been in. This book helped me admit to a part of myself that I had been ignoring, and I thank you for that. The fact that you can write a book that can touch people and help them at the same time shows that you are truly a wonderful writer. Sincerely, B.A.A., Indiana Paul replies: Dear B.A.A., Wow. Your letter makes my day, week, month, YEAR! You want to be my agent? Seriously, it's reactions like yours that offset the miniscule nature of my royalty checks and make the whole damned enterprise worthwhile. I am thrilled to know that my book helped you in understanding yourself. And by the way, it's "Paul" -- "Mr. McComas" is my Dad! Thanks for writing, B.A.A., and keep on readinng! Dear Paul: I was blown away by Unplugged. Thank you for writing it. And thank you for providing it with a fitting soundtrack; I really thought that was a great idea. . . .How did you go about contacting John Doe for his “two cents” on the back of the book? I wouldn’t have bought the novel without his endorsement. Smart. JRW, www.imperfectmusic.com Paul Replies: Thanks for the kudos, J! I’ve been a J.D. fan since I first heard his old band, X, in 1981. (X’s ’81 album Wild Gift remains, in my opinion, the best punk record ever released.) I’ve seen him in concert many times since; he even slapped his bass pick into my palm at the end of a Chicago gig in ’84! Anyway, in 1995, while compiling the short stories that became my anthology Twenty Questions (Daniel & Daniel, 1998), I wrote a story called “Dear Susan Bauer” (about a hapless punk-rock bassist) and included J.D. as a minor character. I sent the story to John through his managament agency, asking for his OK. Next thing I know, there’s his voice on my answering machine, giving me his home phone! Since then, I have kept in touch with John and hung out with him a few times in Chicago and L.A. He’s the most genuine, unassuming, down-to-earth celeb I’ve ever met. And incidentally, his new solo CD, Dim Stars, Bright Sky (Artist Direct Digital, Inc./BMG, 2002), is brilliant: lush, haunting melodies, sumptuous guitars; assured lead and guest (backup) vocals; and literate, heartfelt lyrics that -- as always -- can go toe to toe with anyone’s. Check it out at www.thejohndoe.com.   Have a question for the author about Unplugged? Want to see it answered on this website? Write to Paul at POB 622, Evanston, IL 60204-0622.           All contents ©1998, 2002-06 Paul McComas Website designed and built by Neal Katz