From the Editor (for the Last Time)...

It's with both excitement and sadness that I write my last post on my CWIM blog. I really don't have words for how amazing it's been working on the book over the years. And, just like with any book project, it's always been a team effort. So I must offer some shout outs.

To the current market books staff--Robert, Chuck, Vanessa, Kathy and Fharris and honorary member Greg N: Not only have you taken care of business (like Elvis), you made the days enjoyable and interesting and I will miss you all terribly.

To the whole Writer's Digest team: It's been a joy and a privilege to work with you all. (Zac, Chuck, and Brian--I will make fun of you from afar for eating lunch at 11 AM. And Zac--don't forget to water the plant.)

To all the freelance writers who have given me the gift of their 2,500 words over the years: There was nothing I loved more than working on the CWIM features. Thank you all for sharing your knowledge and love of writing and illustrating and publishing with the CWIM audience. Special thanks to long-time freelancers Kelly and Sue BE who since the beginning have offered me great ideas and great pieces.

To my readers: It's always been all about you. Thanks so much for the outpouring of kindness and gratitude over the years and especially these last few weeks. Right back at you.

Finally to my friends who light up my days and sometimes help me through them: My boys Aaron, Michael and Justin--who are awesome, always in my corner, and great with emoticons. And to my girls Megan, Suzanne and Claudean--the thought of not being able to walk over to your desks from 9 to 5 makes me a super misty. (Lunch every Friday for eternity!)

Waving goodbye now...


Be sure to look for news about my new SCBWI Blog on scbwi.org, Facebook and Twitter on Monday--it will kick off in early May. And see you all at BEA and the SCBWI Annual Summer Conference!

xxoo Alice