Jo-Ann Mapson

Thank you for your kindly e-mail and support of my writing. I try to answer all of your letters, but sometimes work overwhelms, so please forgive me if it takes a while. Your kindness and support mean a great deal to me.

On the night before Christmas, Along Came Mary goes on sale. It's book #2 in the Bad Girl trilogy, and introduces a couple of new characters I hope you will enjoy. The Bad Girls are back, and while some sad things have happened, joy emerges from the sorrow-much like real life. I hope you'll give Along Came Mary a read and let me know how you like it. I'm not touring for this book, which I know is upsetting to those of you who would like a signed book, but there is an alternative! Send it to me with a SASE to P.O. Box 233871, Anchorage, AK 99507, and I will sign it and return it to you right away.

Right now it's 31 degrees, unusually warm for November. All the frost that was on the ground has melted, and it looks like autumn out there. The two moose that are grazing just to the right of the driveway seem very happy about the lack of white stuff, but I miss the snow. As usual, my tribe of little dogs are flipping out, and barking very loudly-out the window. Henry, who is now six months, seems bewildered by the sight of such large creatures, and is doing his best to bark savagely. At eight pounds, this presents quite a challenge.

I miss Echo so much that I swear there are times I glimpse her out of the corner of my vision. Sometimes just the set of Henry's head is enough to make me remember her and wish she was still among us. My sister sent me a book, Dog Heaven, which makes a great case for dogs being allowed into heaven, which is where I imagine Echo to be, running without the arthritis the plagued her, her eyes clear, and her ears once again hearing every little sound, especially the can opener. We humans are so blessed to have such riches as pets. The hard part is saying goodbye, but it's a small price to pay for so much love and attention and comfort and fun. Adopt a pet if you can afford to. So many of them need homes. And the rescued ones are so grateful.

I'm finishing up book #3 in the Bad Girl series. It's titled Goodbye, Earl and explains how Beryl's life in Alaska turned out, but don't worry-there's plenty of stuff about Bayborough, the Valley, and the farm shenanigans. This book ties things up and answers most questions, but as always, there seems to be room for another story, should I decide to take that on.

Next up is a book I've wanted to write for a long time, a family saga that follows three generations of women from Wales and Italy to California. This will be the first book that I've written that looks at life on the other side of the pond. I hope I'm up to the task.

As this year comes to a close, I feel such gratitude in my heart. My job is a pleasure, teaching incredibly fulfilling, and my students are writing some wonderful things that I am sure will launch them to well-received writing careers. I love Alaska, though I'd love it a little more if it snowed. My husband is the most wonderful companion a girl could hope to have. My son and his new wife are happy and healthy, and my son has recently begun writing his first novel. I thank God for my friends and family, and the chance to live on this big blue marble for the last fifty years. May your upcoming holidays be blessed and relaxing and the opportunity to tell your loved ones how special they are to you. May there be Godiva chocolate in the tip of your Christmas stocking.

Cheers,
Jo-Ann

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