I would like to applaud the news that Barnes and Noble has decided not to go ahead with the acquisition of Ingram, the book distribution company. This means that independent bookstores will have a fighting chance of getting books delivered to them as promptly as Ingram delivers to the big chains.

I am looking forward to the summer in the hopes that I will be able to spend most of my time doing creative work which is, of course, what writers should do with their. Lately, I've felt more like a lawyer, a writer's advocate, a publicist and a student of the new technology. To give you a little idea of what that means, here are just a few of the problems and tasks I've been faced with in the last few months: securing rights for my out of print books, filing a claim in the Golden Books bankruptcy case, re-negotiating two contracts because my editor moved to a different publishing house, checking for online copyright infringement, keeping myself informed on all issues of electronic rights and how the new technology will affect the concept of intellectual property. I won't go on any longer, but this gives you a little idea of why so many of us writers who need to make a living from our work are wondering what happened to our pure, clean writing time.

At the Princeton graduation last week Harold Shapiro, the president of the University, talked about this century's love affair with speed. He reminded the audience that those skating over thin ice have to move swiftly and wondered out loud what we are so worried about that speed has become the god we worship. It struck a chord with me.

But enough doom and gloom. I have a number of new picture book ideas tumbling around in my head and have begun work on a new novel, much of which will probably be narrated in letters. I've never tried that form before so I find the idea exciting. I'll also be working on my autobiography for a reference work called SOMETHING ABOUT THE AUTHOR put out by Gale Publications.

On the website, I have posted a book group discussion guide for the paperback edition of ISLAND JUSTICE. People Magazine selected the novel as its beach book of the week so you might want to toss it into that canvas bag with the suntan lotion and the towels.

For the teachers among you, I would really like to hear your thoughts on how to make the website work better for you as a teaching tool either in or outside of the classroom. So once school has been dismissed and you have time to think and your mind wanders my way, I'd be honored to heard your ideas. You can post them directly on the site ( ) or let me know your ideas via e-mail (winthrop@absolute-sway.com).

Have a peaceful, dreamy summer far away from winter woes and worries!

Elizabeth Winthrop