It’s exciting to start a new adventure in writing. I’ve been very blessed to have been inspired, helped, cheered and supported by many people on my writing journey so far. Whether mentioned below in name or not, I hope that you know your part in my own story is truly treasured.
First to you, the readers, whether you know my work well or you’ve just opened the book. Thank you for giving me the chance to tell you a story. I hope that it fills you with a smile and uplifts you. I’m so very honoured that you keep with me and support me whatever genre I’m throwing at you.
Thank you to everyone online, in social media or in the writing community who have touched my heart and my mind: Gena, Dani and Karen, John Taylor, Katherine Hetzel, Debi Alper and all the cloudies, the GCLS community including: the team and students at the Writing Academy, Liz McMullen, Beth and Joy; Ann, Salem and Cheryl (and Lynn.) Thank you for cheering me on. Jen, Vicky and Nikki, Cari, Tig and everyone in the UK lesfic community who make it so much fun to be around. To Carol Poyner and Ashley who in particular always let me know you’re enjoying the stories. To Elisa Rolle from The Rainbow Awards for her tireless work that raises so much for charity and lifts the authors involved. In particular, thank you to Maddy who has worked so hard to see my books on the library shelves, you are truly wonderful. Thank you.
Britt, thank you for reminding me how much I love to write and to show you all the cool things I’ve picked up along the way. Hopefully you’ll be writing acknowledgements yourself very soon!
Casey and Claudia at Bedazzled Ink for believing in me and nurturing me through so much.
Emma Darwin for being the consummate mentor always ready to cheer, challenge and chat through all things writing. Thank you for taking the time and the patience to be so in depth and for taking on the challenge of helping me improve and grow. I hope that you can see the massive difference your guidance has made.
Brie Burkeman, the more I learn of the publishing industry, the more I realise how very lucky I was to stumble onto your doorstep with a half-cooked manuscript and find someone so kind and ready to believe in me and what I could accomplish. I hope that, when you see each book of mine released, you know how much you made that possible.
Revd Sue, Mr. B, Moira, Ian, Fr. Mike and all the lovely people in the parish and beyond who remind me that light shines in so many different ways and draws me to believe I can, to help others, and to be whom I was meant to be. Love never fails.
Sue, for beta-reading, cheerleading, reminding me that someone out there likes my stories and for the honesty to point out when something isn’t working. You’re my trusted set of eyes, give awesome hugs, and help more than I can say.
Ian, Pat and Siân who listen, calm, and care for every inch that hurts. Thank you for taking such good care of me, for easing tense muscles and releasing them so that I can do what I love doing.
To all at Ylva, staff and authors, thank you for making me feel so welcome. Katja, for being such a kind soul and such a friendly face; Astrid and Daniela for welcoming me with a smile and a lot of patience; Michelle for both challenging me to pull out the best, working with me with professionalism and respect, and coming up with some absolutely stunning ideas; to Amanda for getting all the fine details and grammar spot on with an eagle eye and a highlighter. It was a pleasure to work with you. Melanie und Dobby, danke für eure Freundschaft. Es macht wirklich Spaß, sich mit euch auszutauschen, und alles über eure Abenteuer zu lesen. Ich hoffe, ich bin besser geworden! *wink*
Sandra, always present in my thoughts and my heart. I miss you. I see you smiling through rainbows, hope I make you smile right back. Sunflowers and leeks, who’d have thought they’d make such great friends.
My family and my mum who remind me no nut is alone. Whether in spirit or lifting spirits thank you for being you. Mum, thank you for being so confident in my writing and demanding to know why I’ve not got a studio tour yet in the way only mums can. For being the oracle on all things grammar, giving the best squdges, and for being baa every day.
Em and Ferb and our furry friends: thank you for looking after me, comforting me, reassuring me, pouncing me (okay, that bit is just Ferb) for chuckles, all the small stuff that gets me smiling, for being a comedy act all by yourselves, and for being a big smile, for being mini-baa and my handsome Ferbster every day.
To THS: who designed and made me with great love. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for drawing me to be whom you made me to be. Thank you for my uniqueness, my blessings, the gifts you have given me and for reminding me constantly that I am cherished. I hope this book celebrates loving one another truly and is pleasing in your sight. May you always know how I treasure and embrace my design and your love, and that I always shine as the light you wish me to be.
Jody Klaire
May 2018