Most readers believe that writing a story is mostly a solitary thing. I mean, sure, you have your characters that keep you company, hold you hostage if they don’t like the scene you are writing about them, or sulk if they really aren’t a true villain in your story and want a happy ending for themselves in a sequel.
Truth be told, all of these things have happened to me over the four decades I’ve been writing. But? Other great things have happened too. Fabulous friendships with other writers have developed over all of these years, and I am grateful for every single one of them.
Thank you, Sarah, for always having my back and always, always believing that I can write. You are a wonderful publisher, author, and friend who challenges me to always do my best.
Thank you, Michy and Mel, for always being my cheerleaders. Even the Other Side can’t keep the two of you from helping me reach my goals. You’ve filled me with your vast experience in this business when we were all content writers who were just trying to make a few bucks for our babies, including the fur and feathered kind.
To my Connecticut author friends, Dale and Jamie, who have now become family. Thank you for continuously checking in with me, and you are always willing to talk shop. You’ve both been a soft soundboard for me to cultivate my ideas before I really run with them.
To Christie, girl, you’ve been on this journey with me since the content writing days, too. But not only are you a fantastic author that inspires me and pushes me. You’ve also been an unbelievable friend while we’ve been riding this rollercoaster called authoring. Sometimes it isn’t the characters or the story that gets us stuck, it’s life getting in the way, and you’ve taught me not to feel guilty when I need to take a step back for a perspective.
To Jammie, you’ve been one of my newest fibro-fighting cheerleaders. I’ve enjoyed all our talks over email and PM, and I also love all of the videos you’ve made of my books and the encouraging words you’ve given me about my characters and writing.
Finally, to Cheryl, the first fan who emailed that wasn’t blood-related to me. You’ve been a beacon that I strive for. You’ve been a reason I get up in the morning and rush to the computer to write. You’ve been a friend. You’ve been a fellow fibro fighter. I don’t think I can ever thank you enough for being there since way back when. And still! You are around today as my loyal, faithful cheerleader and calming voice that gets me through some of my muddled thoughts.