John Orr is at work on a novel that is part mystery, part something else. "I can't say much about it yet," said Orr, "Because if I do, the Ice Weasels will come and rip off my lips and fingers.

"The opening scene hit me quite clearly one day -- in my mind's eye, not back stage at San Jose Rep or something -- and before long I knew the final scenes, too. These days I am busy writing all the stuff that happens in the middle."

Also under way is a non-fiction, partly autobiographical collection of essays and features about blues music.

Orr's writing about books, movies and other creative pursuits has appeared in dozens of newspapers, magazines, books and web sites.

Using another name, Orr fronts a blues dance band in the San Francisco Bay Area.