I've been reading this forum for a long while now, and thought it was
time to introduce myself. I'm Jon Clinch, the author of the novel FINN
published in February by Random House. I've been thrilled by the
critical response to the novel—including that of  your own Kent
Rasmussen. It's good to be taken seriously.

I've just learned that later this year I'll be speaking at the Mark
Twain House and Museum in Hartford as part of their Landmarks of American
History Workshops for Teachers. The subject this year is "Mark Twain
and the 'Impolite Nation': Using Twain's Work to Teach About Race in
America," and I'll be on the schedule both July 10 and July 24. The
second date will be open to the public.

Details on the program are here: http://www.marktwainhouse.org/neh/

One last thing: I had the pleasure of seeing Kevin Bochynski and his
wife in Newburyport, Massachusetts last weekend. It was a delight to
meet the founder of this great forum.

Jon Clinch
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