Here we are, coming to the close of another year, and it is time for the annual letter. I like doing these letters because it forces me to think about what's been happening and what's going to happen, which requires some organizing of my thoughts—something I pretty much reserve for outlines. But this year it has been a little easier because there are some big events on the horizon and I want you all to know about them.

First, Dark Wraith of Shannara, my first attempt at a graphic novel, comes out in April 2008. Robert Napton did the writing and Edwin David did the art. I have seen the ARC, which is the advanced reader's copy, and it looks pretty good. It will release in trade paperback and if it sells sufficient copies the publisher will move on to another. I want you all to know up front that I think Robert and Edwin did one heck of a job on this, considering they had to get approval from me every step of the way, and whatever credit you want to extend belongs to them.

Second, the movie deal for the Shannara series continues to go forward in spite of the writers' strike. Warner Brothers still seems committed to the filming of The Elfstones of Shannara, and the studio has announced Mike Newell as the Director. Mike had a long and illustrious history in movie making, one that goes back several decades. Among the movies you might recognize are Four Weddings and A Funeral and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. If you go to his website or to any of several Hollywood informational sites, you will find a list of his work. I imagine you will find something of his you have seen and enjoyed. Working on the project with Mike is Cameron Jones, Executive Producer on Traffic and Mike's partner in 50 Cannon Productions. Dan Farah and Ryan Colucci, who brought the Shannara project to Warner Brothers, will continue working alongside Mike and Cameron. Current progress involves looking for a screenwriter, and that effort is already underway. Once the strike is settled, I would guess that a writer will be chosen and work will proceed. Let's hope for the best.

Third, the movie deal for Magic Kingdom For Sale—Sold! continues to go forward, as well. Stephen Somers is back on board and at work on the screenplay, and there are indications that something important will happen with this in the near future.

Fourth, the final book in the Genesis of Shannara trilogy that began with Armageddon's Children is finished and in the capable hands of my editor. It is slated for publication in late August or early September. While this is not the end of the series—Genesis is probably going to run six to nine books—it is the last for awhile and will wrap up all of the plot threads and loose ends that began with the first book. When we pick up with the series again, we will be several hundred years down the road and have a new cast and new world to deal with.

But, in the meantime, I am at work on a new Magic Kingdom book. I began writing it almost as soon as I turned in the latest Genesis book because I was so eager to get busy writing it. I have been thinking about this book for five years, so it sort of demanded immediate attention. I am already four chapters into it and moving along. All of your favorite characters are back, save the dead ones, and a few new ones are being introduced, just to keep you on your toes. I think you are going to like where the series is going; just thinking about it makes me smile.

Beyond that, I plan to tour next year in the US, attending New York Comic Con with Dark Wraith and then going on the road next September. A few other events are possible, but your faithful Web Druid will let you know about those in the usual place on the website. Shawn, by the way, continues to do incredible work on my behalf, and I want you all to know how grateful I am to him. Not grateful enough to pay him anything, of course, but grateful enough to buy him lunch now and then. Guess it's a good thing he's independently wealthy! You are, aren't you, Shawn?

Christmas in the Brooks household will follow a familiar pattern, with celebrations that go on and on at the houses of various kids and friends, and we will all be engrossed in the books we love and the stories we treasure. We wish you the same this holiday season and all next year. Read something every day. Go see Philip Pullman's The Golden Compass and then, if by some strange chance you haven't done so, try the series. Be kind to your friends and your family. Be generous to those who have less than you do. Be tolerant of those who aren't tolerant of you.

The world belongs to all of us. Treat it accordingly. Pass through lightly and leave no footprints. Live as if each day were a treasure.

Merry Christmas,