By the time you hear from me next -- Monday or Tuesday -- I'll be in South Africa.

In the meantime, I thought you might like to meet my editors, Soly and Misha. They're one and a half. It's nice to have editors so young, because at that age they can't read much less write editorial letters.

Soly is the Abby. He's named after Chanda's little brother in Chanda's Secrets and Chanda's Wars. I've always had a soft spot for Soly (the character) because he's so shy and vulnerable. I have a soft spot f...