Alison joins the show for the first time in months and hijinx ensue. Those of you who enjoyed the old days of the podcast are in for a treat. Those of you who are looking for substance? Sorry.

Tasha Alexander, author of And Only to Deceive, A Poisoned Season, and the forthcoming A Fatal Waltz (May 2008 from William Morrow) joins us for another late night and spontaneous podcast. We discuss her books, her writing process, and what she learned along the way going from unpublished writer to critically acclaimed author.

Biography of Tasha Alexander--
Tasha Alexander attended the University of Notre Dame, where she signed on as an English major in order to have a legitimate excuse for spending all her time reading. Following graduation, she played nomad for several years, eventually settling with her family in Tennessee. When not reading, she can be found hard at work on her next book.

Her first book, And Only to Deceive was called "a memorable debut," by Booklist. We think she's pretty cool, too.

*Bumper music* Carmelita as covered by G.G. Allin

After nearly two months of sanctions, fines, and not being able to find the time, we're back with a brand new podcast and it's a special edition of THE FUTURE IS BLEAK. Join us as Ben talks to Bill Cameron for the first time. What's so special about that? Bleak House is publishing Bill's next book Chasing Smoke this fall and the two men have never spoken a word to one another.

Will they be able to communicate? Will they get along? Tune in to find out.

BUMPER MUSIC: "Hold Up" by Marisa Kasriel