Lately, I’ve been seeing more of my books coming out in new editions. Many Bloody Returns in German, Without Mercy in large print, and even as I write this, the trade paperback edition of Many Bloody Returns is hitting the shelves.

With this glut of new books to hold and savor, I’ve realized something. If a my books are like my children, then the new editions of my books are like my grandchildren.

You see, I’ve always heard that being a grandparent is particularly awesome because you get a baby to lay claim to and play with, but you don’t have to go through labor or change diapers. It’s the same thing with a new edition. I get to put this lovely new book on my shelf, but I don’t have to actually write another book or go through editing. Okay, maybe there’s a little work involved, like a fresh set of galleys to look at, but that’s no worse than babysitting, and certainly nothing compared to the original work of gestation.

So please allow me to announce the arrival of my new grandbook, the trade paperback of Many Bloody Returns.  I spotted the first copy at a Barnes & Noble in Saugus, MA, and of course, I took a picture. It’s what grandparents do.