I’m going to be predictable for a bit, and write a short set of thank yous, as appropriate for the season. I know, it’s sappy and sentimental, but I get like that from time to time (especially as the nights get long.) We’ll try not to let such things happen too often.

First, like everyone would expect, I am thankful for my family. Without the support of my spouse, and the unconditional love of my dogs (not to mention their skill at keeping my feet warm in the office), this would be a harder row to hoe than it already is.  As part of the family, I would like to thank my local writing partner – he’s been a gadfly the last few weeks, exactly when I’ve needed him the most. I’ve been a bit slack in the face of unexpected upheavals and excessive craziness. While my long-distance fellows are wonderful, sometimes having a guy on your doorstep every week challenging me to sprints is a great motivator.

I’m also thankful to Samhain Publishing and my editor Sasha – they’ve done right by me in a serious way the past year. I am thrilled and flattered to be one of their authors, and couldn’t be happier with the work they’ve done on my behalf. As an aside, anthologies make great presents, and Impulse Power (which includes my novella Hearts and Minds) will be available December 7^th! Buy early and buy often.

Promotional blurb aside, I am also thankful for my friends both writerly and non. You’ve always been there for me, even though I have stubbornly refused to lean on you as much as you have offered. You are dear to me as any kin. Thank you all. If I’ve learned anything this year, it’s that there’s never enough time to hug the people whom you care about, and if there’s a motto for me to live by in the coming year, it’ll be to keep all of my friends closer to me than I have.

I’ve got so much more to thank, and could list people who have made the past year easier on me and helped make me the person I am. Still, I promised I’d keep this short, and that’s what I intend to do. If I missed you, it’s my failing not yours. Let me unfairly lump you all together in a single “Thanks”