Q: So, what’s new?

A: I’ve just returned from a couple of months in Europe – supporting the publication of my books in the Czech Republic and Hungary, and soaking up experiences for new essays, stories, and a new novel.

Q: And so?

A: The complete first novel, “Third Wish”, as published in Czech, continues to do well, and the new book of essays, “What On Earth Have I Done?’ topped the Czech bestseller list. A documentary film of my encounter with the Czechs was shot while I was there rambling around. I expect to se the first cut of the film in early July. The play made out of my writing will likely be produced by the theater, Listovani, in Brno in the next year.

Q: What about Hungary?

A: An enchanting first visit for me – made special by celebrating my 70th birthday in Budapest – something I never anticipated. I’ve high hopes that my books will be as successful in Hungarian as in Czech. Having connections with publishers and readers in these countries mean opportunities for me to get out of the tourist track and into the daily life of the culture.

Q: What about English-language publications?

A: St. Martin’s Press will publish “What On Earth Have I Done?” on September 18th – 100,000 first printing. With publication in Japanese, Chinese, and Korean to follow. The novel is still in that slow-grinding mill that takes in a manuscript at one end and spits out a published book at the other. It’s sufficiently different from anything on the American market that publishers are overly-cautious, despite its European success. If the new book of essays makes a splash, that should siphon the novel along behind it.

Q: What’s new besides literary events?

A: The Tango Project is underway. I’ve been taking lessons in the dance and trying to revive my Spanish. October 1, I’m off to school in Buenos Aires.