I am so thrilled and proud that Samhain has made it into the finals for the Eric and his Great Pumpkin contest. I started this story after the Summer of '69 contest when the hint for a new one was just the word "Samhain." It was enough to get me rolling, but it wasn't until I sent the story to my beta, Thyra10, that Samhain really started to take shape and become what it is now. She will protest if you ask her, but her suggestions led to my digging deeper and adding elements to the story that both changed and improved it. I started out with a story that I only kind of liked, and ended with one that I love. Now that's what I call a good beta.

There were so many great stories that were entered into this contest, providing endless amusement for us that will last for many Halloweens. Thanks so much to the administrators who organized this so we could all enjoy these wonderful stories. And thanks to all the writers who worked hard to create the stories. And, of course, thanks to the judges who gave up so much of their time to read and consider every story.

Congratulations to the other finalists and heartfelt thanks to all who read and reviewed. You know it's our reward for writing here and means the world to us. Please go to http://www . fanfiction . net/~EricandhisGreatPumpkin (remove the spaces around the dots) to read the entries and vote for your favorites.

Gratefully yours,

Suki59