People often ask what I do when I’m not writing. For the past year, the answer has been “chase after Charlie.” Hard to believe, but our baby turned one a week ago and is ready to take his first steps any day.

The Maelstrom is Charlie’s book — dedicated to him. While I’d thought of the title before we ever knew we’d be having a new addition, it would be hard to pick one that’s more apropo for a baby. Whether it’s changing diapers, midnight feedings, or frantically shooing him away from outlets, Charlie IS a little maelstrom. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.