The last couple of months have been hectic.  Elizabeth and I took most of September and visited the Baltic region, where we were able to visit Copenhagen.  I'll never forget the trip, 7 years ago, when I was sitting at the Café Norden, eating tomato bisque, and Cotton Malone was born.  I knew right then that he would live in the city and run his bookshop in that square.  During that same trip, Random House bought The Amber Room, and I finally became a published author.  On this trip, we returned to the same café, and the bisque was just as delicious.  The best part was envisioning my characters now living in this world that I created.  Here's a picture of the New Harbor.  Quite an inspiring place.


After leaving Denmark, we headed to St. Petersburg, Russia.  In 1995, when I first went to Russia, the Amber Room was around 30% complete.  The finished product is breathtaking.  Like standing inside a jewelry box.  Here's a photo taken outside the Catherine Palace that holds the Amber Room.  What a place.


We traveled to several other countries on the trip, and I think I've got enough fodder for several Cotton Malone adventures to come.  Our last stop was Amsterdam, and this photo was taken in the American Bookstore.  Who's that other guy signing books and how did he weasel his way into my picture?

What a summer it has been.  ThrillerFest was outstanding - we call it summer camp for Thriller writers and enthusiasts, and that's just what it felt like.  It was good to see old friends and meet new ones, and to top it off, we were all able to honor my favorite thriller writer in the world, David Morrell, as ThrillerMaster 2009.

 

We barely had time to catch our breath when we were back on the road to Disney World.  The children think it's a chore for us, but actually it's one of my favorite places on the planet.  I look forward to going each year.  This trip held a bonus as author Raymond Khoury (The Last Templar) and his family joined us.  They live in London, and having never braved the Magic Kingdom before, we were happy to provide our tour guide services.  This picture seems to speak a thousand words.

 

Elizabeth and I hosted author Grant Blackwood and his wife Julie this past weekend.  Grant is the new co-author for Clive Cussler.  Their Spartan Gold comes out September 1st.  Grant is one terrific writer.   I'm sure we drove our wives crazy as we plotted novels all weekend, but it was quite a treat for me.  Thanks, Grant.

Here's a picture of us with a friend we picked up in St. Augustine, Florida.

I'm steadily working on the 2010 book throughout all of these adventures.  It will be Cotton Malone's 6th adventure.  And what a trip it will be.  Can't tell you much about it except that Cassiopeia Vitt returns.   

 Take care, and I'll be back in touch soon.

Steve 

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Welcome to the new and improved website.  We've spent a lot of time and effort to energize things, offering tons more information and a variety of exciting interactive elements.  News Flash will keep you up-to-date on what's happening; On The Road will allow you to come along on some of my travels; Reader Feedback showcases your comments and my response; the Magellan Billet Blog brings a forum for an active discussion; and History Matters will help preserve our heritage for the future.  I have the best fans on the planet.  Your loyalty and dedication is phenomenal.  We receive hundreds of e-mails from around the world each month.  Know that I read every one of them.  Your comments, thoughts, praise, and even your criticism is appreciated.  Keep 'em coming.  Right now, for me, it's time to go back to writing.  I'm presently working on the 2010 novel, Cotton Malone's sixth adventure.  For you?  Enjoy the new site.

Steve Berry