Things I am thankful for this year:

Passionate readers who tell their friends "You've got to read this."

Patient editors who ply me with martinis and remind me to get out of my own way

Patient agents who ply me with sangria and tell me it's okay to be neurotic

Author friends who help debut authors not make asses of themselves-or who encourage them to as the case warrants.

My good humored spouse who endures marriage to me with the patience of Job

My adorable Spawn who makes his mom laugh daily at...