I know! That is just so bitchin', huh? Especially since I sent it off in August and kind of forgot about it, and when I didn't hear, I thought they didn't want it. Because, as most of you know, stuff by new writers tends to get the "Have a nice summer!" treatment. It's happened to me many times already and I've not pounded that much pavement.

Totally! Yeah, makes quite a nice surprise when you thought it was already passed up. Fun!

Erika, that's great. I sympathize about the bio, though. I'm lousy at writing about myself.

When it comes to making a good impression, me too. I could just lay out whatever if somebody said "Tell me your life story." Even with all the David Copperfield crap in it, but this calls for presentation, which isn't easy when your life makes it hard to fill in Occupation, for heaven's sake. "political dissident" "creative artist" "Character witness"(which privilege/responsibility I've exercised twice)"Birth survivor" (I could put down any of those things. It was easier when I could write "student".) I've never put "None" though. Whatever ego I have won't let me.

Erika -- what excellent news!

I usually end up writing something that makes me sound like a good dog, without the crotch-sniffing part.

I like "Character witness" a lot.

It's also true...I've written statements to keep two nearest and dearest from being...guests of the state. Two years apart, too. Obviously mine wasn't the only opinion that mattered, but I've often thought it would be the thing I would tell Alex Trebek about me.

That's wonderful news, erika!

Thanks. I'm excited.