Friends, Family, Readers, and Writers,

I don't know about you, but 2001 has proven to be one helluva year for me and those around me. This year has featured some of the highest highs and the lowest lows I've experienced in years. In a couple of cases, the highs and lows happened simultaneously.

A quick look back:

* Had to lay off part of my team in February, which was a very low point. Pulled the remaining members of my team together for a wonderful few months... then my team was re-orged out of existence. Left the company shortly thereafter.

* Applied to and was accepted into Clarion West writing workshop. Six amazing instructors and sixteen fantastic fellow students, not to mention great support staff and copious opportunities to meet some of the biggest names and coolest folks in the field. Many, many highlights, with a few requisite bumps along the way. It was wonderful.

* Found out we were expecting. A very high point. Then miscarried. The worst of the lows.

* Travelled. Reunited with friends in Boston. Spent a very white Christmas with family in Buffalo and in upstate PA. Hosted a reunion in Seattle. Ventured to the World Con at Philadelphia in August. Wedding anniversary in Ithaca, NY. Immediately after the September 11th attacks, three of us found ourselves driving 3,000 miles to a wedding because we couldn't fly, and because we thought it would be a worthwhile adventure. It was.

* Finished the Commercial Fiction Writing course; made great headway on my novel. Submitted my first short story for consideration; a rewrite of my last Clarion West story. Still haven't heard back yet on that, but at least I've started to get my work out there.

* Reconnected with friends I haven't spoken with in years. Managed to offend another friend I hadn't spoken with in years, which continues to bother me.

* Kept a secret for a couple of months (so far).

* Took over hosting responsibilities for RASP, a monthly open-mike (open mic?) event.

* September 11th, which has had an impact on my life in ways I'm still learning about... and still trying to figure out.

It's been one crazy year. I managed to achieve some of the plans and goals I'd laid out at the end of 2000, I failed miserably at others, and still other accomplishments and setbacks came from out of the blue.

I expect 2002 to be wilder, yet. But more on my plans, hopes, and expectations for the New Year in my next entry. In the meantime, I wish you all the very best in the year to come.

--Allan