As I've been working on character studies for various illustrations, it occurred to me that we needed one for the mysterious, mercurial David Menlo. Here is our favorite one-handed Sorcerer looking intently at something unnameable while holding an antique thurible (a device for burning incense and used in many holy — or unholy! — ceremonies.... We'll be spending lots of time with David in The Maelstrom and I think readers will be pleased to get to know David a little better and to see his and Max's friendship grow. David might even find himself a girlfriend....

Well, it's been a little quiet on the Tapestry front but very busy at the Neff household. On Wednesday, my wife and I welcomed our first child into the world. Charles Raymond Neff is now on the scene - 21 inches and almost 8lbs. of swaddled fury. Mom and Dad couldn't be happier and it's nice to finally meet the recipient of The Maelstrom's dedication page.

Here's a shot of our little guy waving hello while snuggling beneath a blanket from his Great Grandma Henebry

My mother is the first person who reads each new chapter of my books. I can always count on her to provide timely encouragement and constructive criticism as The Tapestry takes shape. On Mother's Day I want to say a great big THANK YOU to the woman who brought me into the world and raised me. Without her, Max McDaniels would not have made the leap from thought to page.

Here she is in 1971 - a spectacular photo of a new mother in front of the Eiffel Tower with her firstborn (my older brother, John). A beautiful, loving, and thoughtful lady. My siblings and I are very fortunate.

And here's to mothers everywhere - thank you for everything you do. It's a hard job and sometimes a thankless one, but your kiddies love you for it...

So here I am - working away on the manuscript while New York shakes off winter and eases into spring. Some nice days lately, blooming flowers, crowded ice cream shops, and strollers, strollers everywhere.

I find myself staring at strollers quite a bit (and probably frightening the parents). My wife and I are expecting our baby boy in less than two months now and the reality of becoming a father is starting to set in. We've been tackling a project each week - putting up drapes, building a crib, attending birthing classes, etc. Babies are complicated creatures who need a lot of stuff...who knew?!? We're very excited to welcome our little guy into the world and no...he will not be named Max ;)

But enough of that stuff - let's talk Maelstrom! I've been racing against the baby to [...]
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Henry answers the following questions from readers:
1. Does he read other books and does he worry whether they'll influence his writing?
2. How much research did he do into Celtic mythology before writing the books?
3. What were his inspirations behind Nick the lymrill?