Thank you to my amazing editors. Again, this process can’t be done alone. I don’t want to write the same story over and over again. I don’t want to repeat myself, or get lazy in my writing. I love to be challenged, and I love having people I trust help me through the process. I lucked out with getting Lauren, who doesn’t allow me to be lazy, but is one of the most positive people I’ve met and always makes me feel good about my writing before pushing me to do it the best way possible. I also lucked out with Maria, who is a positive force of energy whom I enjoy talking with, and who makes me feel like I can always be better. Thank you to my entire Montlake team. Not one person has been less than positive, encouraging, and engaging. I look forward to conferences where we get to laugh, talk business, and also have a lot of fun. They have also learned I much prefer a fun country bar to a five-star restaurant any day of the week—time to slip on the yoga pants and go dance instead of worrying about what fork to use with each new plate.
Thank you to my author friends. Our talks are cherished, and I love building a brand together. I am awed by your continued support. Your laughter, craziness, and midnight talking sessions help me get through writer’s block, and your make-believe worlds take me to happy places. I read far more than I write. J. S. Scott and Ruth Cardello are certainly my partners in crime, and I cherish our time together. There are many more authors I love, but I could write a book on that alone, and I’m sure you want to get to the story instead.
Finally, but certainly not least, thank you to my family and friends. The kiddos constantly put a smile on my face and remind me that I can choose to be young forever. The adults give me much-needed breaks. I love to laugh and stretch my boundaries. I love to do things I never thought I could do before. I love to be scared, happy, sad, exhausted, and energized. I want to feel all emotions. I don’t think I can be a good writer without that. Thank you for giving that, and so much more, to me, for loving me, and for taking me away from my fantasy worlds when I forget to leave my house for weeks on end. Thank you for sharing this journey with me.