I'm B-a-a-a-a-c-k!

I'm so, so so sorry for the long absence - it's been CRAZY over here I can't even tell you all that's been going on, since that in itself would fill a book! But the long and the short of it is that I'm DONE, and my editor loves The Dying Breath and I now know when it will be out. The Dying Breath will be released in the fall of '09! Just so you know, that is a very quick turnaround in the publishing world and I'm very happy that those at Penguin Putnam are happy with the manuscript! It'll be in your hands before you know it!

For all of you who have written and wondered what planet I had dropped off (answer - Earth!) I am officially back in business. Just lot and lots of long hours completing the revision and family things that have been both wonderful (our daughter Kristin is pregnant - yeah!) and sad (two deaths in the family). A huge, wonderful group of sisters/parents/in-laws came from all over for Thanksgiving at our home, eight of whom stayed in my home for a week, which was a blast! Fourteen people and four large dogs makes for tons of fun - we ate and sang and laughed and just enjoyed the season! I baked seven pies (cherry, apple, and of course pumpkin!) a 23 pound turkey and everything that goes with that yummy time of year. Now, as I come up on Christmas, I think of how many wonderful blessing there have been for me this year, including each and every one of you reading this message. Thanks for your love and patience and encouragement and good thoughts. I promise to do a much better job of keeping in touch!

Hugs from Elizabeth,

Alane Ferguson