Acknowledgements

As I sit here writing my acknowledgements, I still find it hard to believe that I’ve actually done it – completed my first novel. From the very first moment, this has been an unbelievable adventure, filled with passion, heartbreak, joy and agony, all at the same time. These characters have all become real to me and I feel as if they are members of my family whose stories deserve to be told.

My first sounding board was my dear friend, Michelle, who allowed me the opportunity to work through the plot and character development for months on end. She listened to me talk as I twisted myself into knots, trying to find the right mix of reality and fantasy. Her advice provided me with the perspective and inspiration I needed, and for that, I will always remain eternally grateful (I hope she’s ready to travel down that endless road again as I begin to pen the sequel). ‘Thank you’ seems an inadequate way to express how much her help means to me.

I need to acknowledge my husband and children, who put up with me while I sat beside them for months while typing furiously on my laptop. They allowed me to procrastinate on things like cooking and cleaning while whittling away the hours in my own imaginary world. For the many movie nights where we sat together (but I still cannot, to this day, tell you what movies we watched), thank you for your understanding, patience, and acceptance. But most of all, thank you for reminding me that I’m really a dork and a nerd at heart, and loving me anyway.

As a novice to the world of publishing, I had no idea how much support was out there for new and struggling writers. I was fortunate to literally stumble upon one such community, the readers at GoodReads. I put my full faith and trust in the hands of countless beta readers who volunteered to help me shine and polish my book and, hopefully, turn it into a work of art. There are too many to name here, but there are a few who offered invaluable insights and guided me towards the improvements that were needed. Specifically, I would like to recognize Lorraine, Dani, Marci, Tammy, Laurie, Elizabeth, Maria, Liz, and Beth for their critical eye and exacting suggestions.

Of particular help was the guidance and encouragement of two particular women, Amy Malek Concepcion and Arianna Kathrine. Amy was one of my first beta readers who provided me with outstanding ideas and suggestions. She then surprised me as my publishing date neared with unsolicited help and guidance to “pimp my book” and garnish the attention it needs to get in the hands of readers like you. Arianna was the first to truly edit my book and point out the errors and holes in plot and character development that were in need of revisions. She, too, surprised and astounded me with her publishing knowledge, networking ability, and marketing assistance. I didn’t expect to get this sort of help and assistance from women I’ve never met before, particularly when they expected to receive absolutely nothing in return. Writing is a lonely, solitary process, but publishing is a team effort and I’m so happy to have found support and guidance from such a fabulous group of women. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

And last, but certainly not least, to you, the reader. Thank you for taking a chance on me, a complete unknown, and for allowing me the privilege of sharing Evan and Juliette’s story with you. To those of you who took the time to send me an e-mail or to post thoughtful comments and messages, you have no idea how much your words have brightened my day and brought a smile to my face. It is your support and encouragement that convinced me to continue sharing their story with the next installment, Running Home to You.

Date: 2015-02-28; view: 885