Hey Everybody - this is my first blog for Goodreads so I figured the best thing to do would be to tell you a little more about my new book, Santa Inc.

I actually came up with the idea many years ago - around 2007 - and at the time it was nothing more than the title. Really I just liked the juxtaposing of those two words - one which is associated inextricably with the holiday season and festive cheer, and the other which basically means business.

So it seemed that combining those two worlds could produce an interesting story. As I was working at a production company in Los Angeles, I decided to write the story as a screenplay. I had had some small success in leveraging my day job into getting another screenplay optioned so I figured it was a good angle.

So I wrote the screenplay but as I was prone to do in those days, promptly shelved the first draft in my virtual drawer, moved on and forgot about it. Then about 10 years later, after I had finished my Hogtown books and was looking for new ideas, I decided to pick it up again.

The premise of the story remains much the same but I spent much more time fleshing out the characters and making the plot work. And in doing so I really tried to add those little nuances that I have experienced in my life in business which I hope brings the story to life. One of those things is coffee. Most people who work in offices seem to enjoy a good cup but very often the joe on offer falls way short of drinkable.

The main character, Eric, comes upon this conclusion and quite promptly improves productivity in a Santa Inc. where all is not well.

And this is really what's at the center of the story - how the enthusiasm, curiosity and generosity of spirit can ultimately transform the world of those around him.

I tried to bring a darkness to the story to describe just how miserable the orphanage of Our Lady of Mercy is, and in doing so what a magical place Santa Inc. is even if it's just an office. And, how what might appear uninteresting to one person can be magical to another.

In this respect, I was really trying to write a book that could be read, or interpreted, on different levels and could be enjoyed by adults and kids alike.

If you've already read the book, I thank you for your continued interest. If you haven't read it yet - what are you waiting for? It's nearly Christmas!