Holiday Wishes for Femmes Fans

by Toni L.P. Kelner

Oops. I was supposed to post something to the blog yesterday, but you know, there was all this talk abou the world ending and I thought it would be silly to post something that wouldn't get read. But here we still are. (Rumor has it that the Doctor of Doctor Who and Buffy of Buffy the Vampire Slayer combined forces to defeat whatever evil the Mayans expected to take place, but I can't find reputable confirmation of that.)

And honestly, I'm really glad the world didn't end. I've got a lot to look forward to, and as this year ends, I want to send some good wishes your way for 2013.

First up, my husband Steve is starting a new job at the executive search firm Spencer Stuart. He's so excited about it, and that's just delightful to see. Too many people spend their days in jobs that are poor fits or working for dreadful bosses. So my first wish for you is that you're working at a job you love, or if you're not, that you find it this year.

Later on in the year, my older daughter Maggie will be graduating high school while my younger daughtet Valerie is set to graduate from junior high. I know they'll be sorry to leave their familiar worlds and good friends and terrific teachers, but the schools have been so great for the girls. They've learned so much, and their graduations will be tremendous accomplishments. So my second wish is that each of you complete something--a project, a book, a stage of education. I want each of you to be able to look back on 2013 and know that you've accomplished something wonderful.

In fall, both my girls will go to new schools. Maggie has been accepted at her first choice of colleges, and Valerie is sure to be accepted at the high schools she's applied to. They are both zig-zagging between excitement and panic at the change, of course, but mostly they're really looking forward to moving on to bigger and better things. My wish for you is that is that you start something new and exciting, even if it's a little scary.

As for me, I'm looking forward to my new series starting. A Skeleton in the Family will be coming out from Berkley Prime Crime in September, and I'm dying to introduce my character Sid the Skeleton to the world. Along with that, I'll be introducing a new me. You see, the book will be coming out under my new pen name: Leigh Perry. It's a chance to be a different person! I'm wishing that you, too, get the opportunity to reinvent yourself.

My last wish is on the melancholy side. Last week, my big sister Brenda died after a painful illness. Many of my friends and family have been telling me that they hope she rests in peace, and that's very sweet of them. Except for this. Wherever Brenda is, I don't think she's peaceful. At least, I hope she's not. Peace would bore Brenda to pieces! She'd want people to meet, and places to go, and things to see and learn about. Don't give her peace--give her fun and adventure, and above all, joy. So in Brenda's honor, let my wish for you to be this: may your upcoming year be filled with joy!

 

 

Comments

[Catriona]

Toni, you are quite a gal. I bet Brenda was another one. And you made two more! Lucky world, that's what I say.

[Charlaine Harris]

I know this coming year must be better than last year, Toni, and I hope it will be chock full of even more good things than you could imagine.