More about Miss Zukas
It’s a rare cold and snowy day here as I write this, nothing compared to what other parts of the country are experiencing, but unusual (and yes, exciting!) for us.
Now to the subject of Miss Zukas: I learned this summer that Avon/HarperCollins was “retiring” many of its traditional mystery series, and that the publishing house was moving in other directions. For a while it looked like Miss Zukas would be exempt, but it was not to be.
So why not move to another publisher, right? My agent began the search and then, ta da, we all know what happened to the economy. Naturally, in tight times, we all cut back, we all take fewer chances.
Miss Zukas has been thriving since 1994 through eleven adventures. I have loved telling her tales and feel I “know” every character who’s danced his or her way through Helma’s saga. And I cannot tell you often enough what a privilege it’s been to talk to, and hear from, readers. Each letter has been a treasure to me, a missive from a friend. And truly, many of you have become friends, even though we’ve never met. Even those who protested her foibles or fretted over Boy Cat Zukas’ diet, or lost patience with Wayne Gallant – I am honored you cared enough to let me know.
Avon/HarperCollins was a grand publisher, and Lyssa, my editor at Avon/HarperColllins, grew into an ally and friend. The books will now begin their inexorable journey to “out of stock indefinitely” limbo, so if you planned to buy copies for friends, now’s the time!
Which of course brings me to one of my pet subjects: bookstores. Plain and simple, they’re in trouble. My advice: buy a book, any book. Give books for birthdays, holidays, Presidents’ Day, and just because you like your friends.
And what’s next for me? I’m working on a new series which I’m very excited about. Stay tuned on that one. I’ll continue to update my website – so please, keep writing. I plan to redesign my website by Spring, because you see, I have to write. I have no choice!
Happiest of holidays and a grand New Year to you. I humbly and sincerely thank you for accompanying Helma and me on this journey.

A Holiday/2009 Gift for you!
I am giving away 10 copies of my first published book, the children’s fantasy, Glom Gloom. It’s aimed at 9-12 year olds and was originally published in hard cover by Atheneum. I hate to sound like a TV commercial, but I am asking for $5.00 to cover the shipping. I’m more than happy to sign the book to anyone you wish. Simply send a check to the Everson, WA address in the left panel. I’ll announce on this page when the copies are gone. Thanks!

Oh, that Teddy!
I’ve been Theodore Roosevelt-aware lately. What an astounding person. Everyone knows he said, “Speak softly and carry a big stick, and you will go far,” but did you know he also said, “Do not hit at all if it can be avoided, but never hit softly.” Or how about this quote, “In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing. The worst thing you can do is nothing.” Here’s a bit of wit that might make Jon Stewart jealous: “When they call the roll in the Senate, the Senators do not know whether to answer ‘Present,’ or ‘Not Guilty.’”

Good Reads
Helma is reading DIRT, by David Montgomery, a fascinating historical perspective of how topsoil has influenced the arc of history. Ruth is holed up in her house reading piles of Terry Pratchett fantasies. She's currently on MAKING MONEY, and looking for clues.


More photos coming in January.