While Simone is in Amsterdam at the IFC, I am desperately holed up, trying to make progress on two books. I have a timer running. I've been writing now for 9 hours, devouring coffee, duck paté, a pear with artisanal blue cheese, a tomato with Laguiole farm cheese, crisps from Devon, leftover chicken, wine from select local vintners, Campari and soda, pepper relishes, whatever will keep me running. Talking to 5 time zones.