Writing Tools

I received a very nice Christmas present last week: the new paper cover edition of "Writing Tools."  My publisher Little, Brown has created an even prettier book, if that's possible, the foam green cover now in a classy textured paper stock. Holding a book you've written in your hands is a little like admiring a new baby: you sigh, count the fingers and toes, say a little prayer of thanksgiving and remind yourself that the long months of work were worth it. What pleases me most is the list price of $12.99. Online discounts should bring that cost down close to $10. As Alfred E. Neuman used to say about MAD magazine: "Cheap!"

Speaking of cheap, here is a little Florida Christmas ditty, free of charge. In 1982, I wrote a Christmas song for my three daughters, trying to explain to my New York and New England family how Floridians celebrate Christmas. The St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times published the song back then in the paper as sheet music. A new updated version is scheduled to appear this Saturday, Dec. 22. On the Times' Web site you will find, even now, a video performance by yours truly.

If you'd like to follow along with the lyrics, here they are:

Kids will sing and laugh and play
On a sunny shore today
Santa will not need a sleigh
Christmas without snow.

Bright stars just like Bethlehem
Palm trees we've a lot of them
Come now let us sing a hymn
Christmas without snow.

Snow, snow, snow
No, no, no
So, so, so
Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho.

Santa pack your summer clothes
And some salve for Rudolph's nose
Sunburn always make it glow
Christmas without snow.

Santa bring your water skis
Ice cream snow balls if you please
It is eighty-one degrees
Christmas without snow

(Chorus)

Even Jolly Frosty Snowman
Will leave town as fast as he can
To avoid a fatal suntan
Christmas without snow.

Even little Suzy Snowflake
Will become a crispy cornflake
When she hits our torrid landscape
Christmas without snow.

(Chorus and big finish)

I hope you enjoy "Christmas Without Snow" and my YouTube debut. If you are stuck in a blizzard, keep warm inside, enjoy the company of family and friends and the many blessings of the season. Cheers.  --  Roy