The world has turned in more ways than one since publishing Volume 1. I had to put together an almost entirely new team to help bring Volume 2 to life, resulting in Sarah Chorn’s careful and encouraging edits and Jeff Brown’s stunning cover. (I swear I nearly cried seeing my creations brought to vivid life.) I’m so grateful to have found both of them and their wonderful work.
Huge and undying thanks go to the love of my life and first reader, Julia Glosemeyer. Without her support, patience, and enthusiasm, this would be a far lesser book. And of course, love and appreciation to my Mom and all the rest of my family.
Shout outs to my beta readers, Brooks Larson, Sam Peterson, and Elizabeth “Izanami” Vaughn. Your thoughts and feedback helped in so many ways.
Much appreciation and gratitude goes to the reviewers, bloggers, and Instagrammers who championed Volume 1 above and beyond any expectation: @thebookbeardreview, @cyborg_book_club, @sci_fi_gem, @booklovingcatmom, @nocrackedspines, @captainfuturstory, and @readnext. Thanks as well to the YouTube channels StoryComic and Unity151 for the interviews. You rock so hard!
Here’s a big raise of the glass, mug, pen, or keyboard to the fellow indie authors who’ve given advice, kind words, encouragement, and reviews to a newbie like me: Rayner Ye, Micheal R. Swanson, Amanda K. King, S.C. Jensen, Jonathan Nevair, and Jeff Deischer. Please go find their books, read them, and leave great reviews!
My deep gratitude goes to my friends and gamers whose participation helped bring new corners of the Shattered Gates Universe to life: Dale Wilson, Barney Smith, Chris Sagovac, and Mike Starkweather.
Lastly, big thanks to those whose friendship and words of encouragement have been a boon in many different and wonderful ways: Dr Erik Johnson, Jarad Coates, Astra Price, Lenny Gonzalez, Erik James, Marc Beauchamp, Ryan Richards, Kyle French, John Henry Muhrer, John Wikman, Stuart Argabright, Liz Gharst, Elisandro Barajas, Mike Barbarelli, AJ Dunleavy, and everyone who has read my work and left a kind word.