Resolutions for Readers '06

I'm Kim Alexander and this is Fiction Nation. New Year — the time when you take stock — and if you have leftover turkey from Thanksgiving, the time when you make stock. Take a look around and decide what needs work. Tell you what, this year lose weight and clean out the closet are understood. Don't even put it on your list. Here are some of my resolutions.

• 1. I will keep trying out books that fall outside of my comfort zone. So I'll crack a book that isn't about vampires is what I'm saying.
• 2. I will always be on the lookout for new authors. Publishing is a tough business, and through this review show I have been introduced to writers I probably would have missed. There is some really amazing talent out there.
• 3. I will still try and make time for my old favorites ­ some of them got to be big time famous writers for a good reason. So you may hear me talk about Stephen King after all, you never know.
• 4. Oh, and number 4 is I'll be nicer to my cats. More nip for everyone!

Before we turn the calendar page, I have to take a moment to thank my lovely and talented web goddess Amy Guskin, my crafty and talented musical director Paul Nordquist (and his semi-fictional orchestra), and my magnificently talented art director (and thoroughly awesome mom) Nancy.

It's a brand new year, and I can't wait to get started. Thanks for listening and reading along with me and have a happy new year.

But before you leave, take a look at these attractive felines!