FOREWORD This is my three-minute commercial. In today's age of astounding technological advances, we all have options that allow us to skip commercials, be they online, on television, or in some other media. But as you already are this far into this one, I trust you will read through to the end. This is a collection of short stories I've written through the years. Some date as far back to 1985, while others are still being written even as I write this foreword. But all, regardless of their age, are as timely today as when they were originally written. Because my website, email address and AOL IM name are published in all my books, I receive quite a bit of feedback from readers. And the question I am asked most often is this: "Where in the world do you come up with this stuff?" My book, "Level Heads," is my answer to that question-the original edition first, and this enhanced deluxe edition next. While assembling the stories for this book, I took some time to write author's notes about each story-where I got the original idea, how it took shape, what was the story behind the story, was the story based on anything that actually happened and so on and so forth.In the process, I also took some time to write about the "behind the scenes" of my three previous novels, as those are the works that continuously spawn the original question. I am very much like you, in many ways. But if there was a significant difference, it would be that I am not afraid to reach across the wide, black chasm of the unknown to grasp a handful of muck to bring back across to what we all consider to be the "real world." And here it is-wrapped neatly between two cardboard covers, preceded by a three-minute commercial that now is nearly complete. I am deeply indebted to my friends at Stuart's Deli and The Manette Saloon. These two businesses graciously host my book signings each time I release a new book, and I'm rarely charged a dime, even when I treat my loyal readers