I love creating stories around music. We’ve all dreamed about being rock or pop stars at some point in our lives. I never outgrew the dream, but I can’t sing or read music, so I write about it. I have attended concerts ever since I was old enough to drive myself to venues, and I have seen some incredible shows. Music touches our hearts in a way that nothing else does. It’s designed to pull out emotions that we either hide or nourish, and it makes us vulnerable. Love, anger, happiness, sadness, euphoria, rage, peace. The list goes on. Isn’t it wonderful that one little four-minute song can lift us up or shred us? While it’s wonderful to create music and words that reach a lot of people, success comes at a price. I wanted to write that aspect. What sacrifices does somebody make to reach their dreams? Why can’t people have both?
I’d like to thank Ashley for being a stellar editor as always. We’re such a good team. Trust me when I say that without her, my books wouldn’t be as smooth. Thank you, Bold Strokes Books, for publishing my books. I’ll never get tired of telling my stories, so I’m thankful you still want to publish them.
Thank you to Deb for creating my beautiful and wonderfully simple covers. I love that she knows exactly what I’m envisioning even if my words don’t come out right.
Molly is still by my side as I write these books, but I know that won’t always be the case. Having her in my life is such a blessing.
Thank you to my parents and my sister for their love and support. Nope, they still aren’t allowed to read my books.
I love my friends! Thank you, Fiona, for our chats and all the beautiful photos you send me of the g. snaps. K.B.—we need more writing dates—even if they’re at the lake and we’re on the boat. I’m sure it’s the perfect time to write! Encouragement is so important during the writing process, so a big heartfelt shoutout to the people who check on me, including Paula, Carsen, GFB, Mellie B, Morgan, Friz, and so many others.
Another big shout-out to my online friends who read, tweet, post, and share our books with their friends. I love our community of readers and writers who lift one another up.
My patrons are doing great things on Patreon for animal shelters and sanctuaries around the world. I’m proud that what we are doing is making a difference. Animals give us unconditional love, and even though we can’t keep them all, we can at least give them food, beds, and toys until they can find their forever homes.
Thank you to everyone who reads this book and continues to support our LGBTQIA family. You are the real superstars!