Before I get to today’s post, a quick note: I’ll be appearing at the Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick tomorrow, 10/18, at 7PM. If you’re around, stop by and say hello! Now, onto our regularly scheduled programming…

The Broadway Bridge in Arkansas was deemed too weak to stand.

That’s no surprise, I guess, since it was 93 years old and in serious need of repair. What is surprising is what happened when a demolition crew tried to bring it down last Tuesday. But why take my word for it when you can see for yourself?

As the Arkansas highway department tweeted, “that didn’t go quite as planned.”

Why did I decide to share this with you? Two reasons.

The first is that my latest novel, RED RIGHT HAND, begins with a terror attack on the Golden Gate Bridge that leaves the landmark damaged, but still standing. Obviously, that’s a potent metaphor for humankind’s resilience in the wake of such horrors, but it’s also the likeliest outcome thanks to some truly spectacular feats of engineering. (Aside: did you know the Golden Gate Bridge was designed by a Mainer? I didn’t, until someone on Twitter told me.)

The second is that this is my last post as a regular contributor to Maine Crime Writers. I’ve been circling a new project for a while now—the big, ambitious standalone I mentioned on 207—and now that I’m ready to dive in, I realize it’s going to require every ounce of focus I can muster. But, not unlike the bridge, I’m sure this ain’t the last you’ll see of me around these parts. I’ve been guest-posting here since 2012, after all, and will happily continue to until the sun burns out or you folks get sick of me, whichever comes first. (My money’s on the latter.)

Anyway, it’s been a pleasure. Thanks for reading, commenting, and generally supporting Maine writers, this Maine writer included. I promise you, it means a lot to all of us. If you’d like to stay up-to-date with all things me, keep an eye on my website, Facebook author page, and Twitter. And, of course, you can swing by the Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick tomorrow night!

Since there’s nothing I like more than a viscerally satisfying ending, I should tell you that they eventually managed to tear that old bridge down. Even weakened by the explosions, it didn’t go quietly. But again, don’t take my word for it. Like their failed first attempt—and the fictitious attack on the Golden Gate in RED RIGHT HAND—someone uploaded video of it to YouTube, because of course they did.