The fact of the matter is simply this: if the author is having fun there's a might good chance that the reader will have fun.

YES! Thank you, you took the words right out of my mouth. That's exactly what I'd like to convey to the reader(s). It's been drummed into me by my English teacher for so long that writing should be venerated and used to expose truths. Bless Ms Ross, but writing can be fun as well. I wish she'd kept this in mind.

I would love to excerpt swap - it ain't the best beginning, but it sets something up. I'll e-mail you the piece :)