People want to know about my book, "It's a Dry Heat," and I'm happy to provide answers.

A. It's a sampling of columns since 2002 divided into 12 chapters. A bit of everything is included -- from City Hall brain freezes to fixing sprinklers to the war in Iraq. There are biting political commentaries, human-interest features and obituaries about people -- Al Radka, for example -- who shaped Fresno through the decades. It's funny, irreverent, serious and poignant.

Q. Is there anything about Bob Waterston and Alan Autry?

A. Of course!

My first piece as Metro columnist was about Autry's tendency to treat to real life like a television episode. Waterston is a columnist's dream. Here are the opening paragraphs from "Our Absent-Minded Supervisor:"

A fuzzy memory is one thing.
But what do you call it when you have trouble remembering a few basic facts about the day a construction worker fell through your ceiling?
For Bob Waterston -- a licensed contractor and Fresno County supervisor -- the diagnosis is political amnesia.

Q. What's the deal with the cover? Do you really think you're bigger than Fresno?

A. The cover was designed by Bee artist Bob Campbell. The idea was to do something that stood out in book stores and refected the tone. I think Bob hit a home run, and you would, too, if he made your shoulders wider than Arnold Schwarzenegger's! The governor is in the book, too.

Q. The book is an unusual size. Why?

A. Recognizing that many people would read "It's A Dry Heat" a column or a chapter at a time, we wanted a book that was convenient and portable. It fits nicely in a purse -- or on top of a commode!

Q. How did you come up with the title?

A. I kicked around some ideas with my editor, Jack Robinson. We wanted something quick and punchy. And we considered soliciting titles from Bee readers. Then Jim Boren, the Editorial Page editor, tossed out "It's a Dry Heat" and it stuck.

Q. If I buy your book, will you sign it?

A. Gladly, if you come to a book signing. The next two are Friday, November 30, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at Borders in River Park; and Saturday, Dec. 1, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Holiday Boutique benefiting The Cat House on the Kings, at Petco, 4144 N. Blackstone Ave.

Q. Where can I buy the book other than at signings?

A. At Borders and on the Web at fresnobee.com/dryheat. The cost is $12.95.