When I initially conceived of the idea for this book, I thought it would be fun, a little tongue in cheek mixed with some campy fantasy. I still think there are places where that playfulness shines through, but as my main characters developed, they demanded more thought, depth, and emotional fortitude than I’d expected. Suddenly, a fun story about getting a do-over turned into an examination of what we owe ourselves and those who cross our paths. The issue of bullying is one that cannot be ignored when facing a high school setting, and unfortunately, it touches us all in some way. Those conflicts can shape a young existence, and the ways in which we make sense of them can have a defining effect on the people we become. While likely few of us have ever had to confront our past in the dramatic fashion these characters do, I firmly believe none of us can ever fully leave the past behind until we’ve learned the lessons those experiences are meant to teach us. It’s that process of confronting, growing, and reinventing oneself that ultimately drives this book.
I’m deeply indebted to several very creative people who inspired me to push beyond the boundaries I previously set for my writing. My friend and neighbor, Sarah Gerkensmeyer, is a brilliant writer of magical realism who’s taught me so much about finding the magic in the mundane. She’s demonstrated wonderful courage in embracing the unknown, and her example permeated my decision-making process throughout this novel. In moments when I feared I might be straying too far from the genre I’ve come to consider home, I turned to friends and fellow romance writers Georgia Beers and Melissa Brayden. I probably would have caved several times without their reassurances, but my sexy self-esteem queen and my sparkly ninja princess expressed only excitement and genuine encouragement. I have my neighbor and man twin, Andrew Cullison, to thank (once again) for the title of this novel, even though I know he was really pulling for it to be spelled “Timelez.” Finally, I firmly believe this was my smoothest writing/editing experience ever because Lynda Sandoval was involved from start to finish. She was enthusiastic, open, available, and easygoing. Her ability to pinpoint and communicate what the story needed kept me confident, and her sense of humor held my insecurities at bay. Our front porch chats and comments in the margins kept me laughing even on the hard days. I cannot overemphasize how much her easygoing professionalism has improved my entire creative process.
As usual, Barb Dallinger and Toni Whitaker served as my sounding board, focus group, and first readers. Their feedback was especially important because they’ve been with me virtually from the beginning of my career. They eased the fear that I’d stretched too far outside my comfort zone. Much thanks to Shelley Thrasher, who once again served as my copy editor and literary laser beam. Sheri, as usual, captured so many of the emotions in this book with her stellar cover. The Bold Strokes team of proofreaders, production managers, Web designers, eBook formatters, and social media gurus do so much behind the scenes to make me look good, and I appreciate each one of them greatly.
Thank you to the readers. Every time I feel alone or lazy or consider cutting a corner, I think about your comments, e-mails, and encouragement. You’ve elevated my writing from a hobby to a true labor of love.
Saving the best for last, I have my family to thank for everything good in my life. Jackie is pure joy. His youthful idealism weighed heavily on my mind while writing this book. He forced me to consider the world he will someday inhabit and contemplate my own responsibility in making sure that world is worthy of him. Susie continues to be my inspiration in all matters of the heart. That combined with her knowledge of the challenges faced by student teachers and gay teachers in small towns contributed a great deal to the development of these characters. She’s my best friend, my partner, my wife, my everything.
As I look back over my expansive list of people to thank, I’m reminded once again I am richly blessed not through merit, but through the abundant grace of God. Soli Deo Gloria.