I'm happy to report that the CONFESSING FOR MONEY book is finished and at the publisher. Carolyn Leonard of Oklahoma City and Jackie King of Tulsa came closest in their choices as to my date of finish. They both have received their copies of SALLY as prizes for their good guesses. The CONFESSING FOR MONEY book will be available from AWOCBooks.com with the ebook selling for $9.95 and the bound edition selling for $14.95 plus s&h.

I have other good news as well. The little inheritance from my ex came through. Hurrah! Many thanks to my attorney, Susan Atherton.

The Filipino bug is long gone and I'm shuffling a bit more rapidly since Nancy Huff took me to see an iridologist who looked into my eyes and told me what herbs and minerals to take. Fun trip to Sapulpa and also helpful.

After last month's letter went out I received a note from Krystl Franklin. I'd misspelled her name and I'm sorry. She wrote a really nice note and my vanity requires that I share a part of her letter with you. Here goes:

"...I owe a huge amount to having you as my early writing mentor. From the very first I wanted to be just like you. I see that in every workshop and talk I give as I take fledgling writers under my wing...and pass on a word of encouragement followed by a smack of tuff love soothed by no nonsense humor that is so your trademark.

"When I accepted the first place award in the PanCultural Film Festival for my script, 'Love Lies Bleeding,' (based on a short story I wrote in one of your classes, BTW), I said in my speech that the old meaning of encourage is to 'lend someone your courage.' I thanked you for lending my your courage. You're the most courageous person I know...in your private life as well as your professional one.

"That script also won a place for me as 'one of the top 15 indie scriptwriters' by the ifp/West (Spirit Awards). Every time I get any recognition for my work, I'm reminded of sitting in your class and hearing you reassure us that if we write... we're writers. I wouldn’t have written a (readable) word in my entire life if I hadn't muttered that mantra."

Great! Nice to get a thank you from a former student. Teachers live for words of gratitude but it's even better to learn of Kristl's successes. I'm puffed with pride by her words and her deeds. Kristl is going through a bout of illness herself these days. We need to send her good thoughts.

Summer's here? Probably. I'll see many of you at the Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc. (OWFI) conference in Oklahoma City on the first weekend in May. Catch me there and talk to me. I've given up the dye pot so you'll know me by my gray, black and white hair.

Love Peggy