I could never live the life of a reclusive author. I’m far too flighty and neurotic. In order to be the best writer I can be, I need people. I just so happen to have some pretty amazing people who prop me up, challenge me, and encourage me. I’d like to tell you about a few of these folks.
Ann Byle is the best agent a girl like me could hope for. She believes in me when I don’t know if I’ve got what it takes. She doesn’t let me whine too much and she tells it like it is. I’d trust her with my life. More than that, I’d trust her with my kids. That’s saying a lot.
Jocelyn Green, Tracy Groot, and Julie Cantrell are authors who have influenced my writing of A Cup of Dust. I learned how to write historical fiction by reading their novels and learned about life by being around them. They are good mentors and even better friends.
Amelia Rhodes became my friend just before we both plunged headfirst into the publishing world. She answers her phone when I call, knowing full well that I might be a hot mess with a brain full of doubts about teeter-tottering self-confidence. She talks me off the ledge, gives me a pep talk, and reminds me of how far God has brought both of us in our five-year-old friendship.
Pam Strickland is the giver of hugs and smiles and overflowing encouragement. She’s quick to listen and even faster to pray. She knows how she helped this novel come to be and she wouldn’t like me bragging about it. Just know she’s part of the reason you have it in your hands.
The team at Kregel has made me feel welcome from the very moment I signed my name on the contract. They have taken my small efforts and collaborated to make Pearl’s story come to life.
A good portion of this book was written at a table at my local Starbucks. That place has become my own personal Cheers because of how great the baristas are. They kept me caffeinated and smiling during the rougher days of writing. Marcia, Catrina, Hananiah, Jaimee, Jeff, Kasey, Lydia, Melissa, Sam, Shawn, Stephanie, and Travis aren’t just great at making a cup of coffee, they’ve become sweet friends and I’m thankful for them.
I wouldn’t be who I am without the love of my Father, the Author of all life. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and in that sameness is His unfailing love for His children. He sees us in our weakness, in our vulnerability, in our failings. He doesn’t reject us. Instead, He scoops us up and brings us into His family. I can think of nothing more powerful, more beautiful. Pearl’s story is mine. Yours. Ours. It is the story of God’s great love for His people. He is the one who saves.