Since the fall of 2001, I've been pretty dutiful about filing a monthly letter for the website. I even plan ahead, at times, setting up interviews -- two in 2007 -- or jotting down topics that I want to cover.

But now it's a week into January and I just can't seem to stir myself. I have started two different pieces and pulled the plug on both. One was about the realization that I am now, in my hometown, a semi-public figure, but it suffered from the second paragraph problem, lack thereof. (And, also, from the larger problem of "who cares?" syndrome. A bit like complaining about the lining in one's Fendi, no?) And the other one was . . . got me, and if I can't remember the topic, it's certainly better for being spiked.

I could throw up the tour info, but it seems early. I could devise a contest, given that I have AREs, but that's actually difficult. I could write a ode to the eggs muttachar I had for breakfast yesterday, but I can't imagine anyone's that interested.

But even as I find it impossible to write anything for the website, I've been up every morning and heading off to work on the new book. Four work days into the new year, and I have 5,800 words. And I've been working on an essay for the MWA annual. No, it's seemingly this easy writing that I can't bear to do.

So consider this an apology and I'll try to get off my butt soon.