DECEMBER 2001 NEWSLETTER Peace and Happiness from Ridley~ Sadly, it's a difficult year to wish merriment. Too many families missing that special dad or mom this Christmas to get overly joyous. But it is a season of great hope I think we all feel it and that's a wonderful quality to celebrate. November and December have proved fruitful months for me. The final draft of Art Of Deception is only days away from completion. I'm excited by the book, as is my publisher, Hyperion, who has great plans for its release July 23, 2002. Crisman Films and I are in final negotiations to do at least two, one-hour documentaries for Animal Planet Channel (cable television). The first concerns the connection between the abuse of household pets and future serial killers, and the second, a much lighter look at the Ashland Wildlife Lab, the US Fish and Wildlife's forensic lab in Ashland, Oregon. On Tuesday, December 10th, I travel to Los Angeles to pitch a series television idea with Mariel Hemmingway. Typically, these are crap-shoots, but itOll be fun to give it a try. It's been a pleasure working with Mariel and we have plans for other projects as well. Wishmaker Films continues to stir the pot toward a possible feature film production of Undercurrents, while producer Stephanie Germaine is working hard to get a production of Parallel Lies on track for TBS television. On January 3rd, 2002, I commence the first draft of the Boldt novel for the summer of 2003. I've been itching to get at it, but wanted Art Of Deception wrapped up before I jump in with both feet. The girls are sweet and healthy, Marcelle and I are both working hard but extremely happy. All the Pearsons wish you and yours a Peaceful New Year. Thanks for reading the books! Webmaster Heidi Mack and I hope to post a fun "treasure hunt," sometime next week. Meanwhile the December Contest is online. T-shirt and audio tape prizes! All my best, Previous newsletters, click here!