As most writers discover, writing is an adventure. At the beginning of a story, the writer often thinks she is in control, that she knows exactly where the story is going. Nothing could be further from the truth. Stories are fluid journeys; each character takes on a life and will of its own. And, they lead their creator on amazing educational experiences, often introducing new worlds and incredible new people. Ultimately, stories, at their essence, are about people . . . and relationships, as is our journey through life.
People often hold on to misconceptions about Las Vegas. Sin City. Lost paycheck. A city where all your desires can be realized. While each of these may be true to some extent, the most interesting question is why do people come here? What do they hope to find? This question is what drives my Lucky series. The whole world, vast hordes of folks, wander through Vegas. And they all bring their hopes, their dreams, their failures, their successes, their joy, their despair.
What they take away is up to them.
Here’s my takeaway from the journey of bringing Lucky Bastard to life: as usual, many thanks are required.
So, a heartfelt thanks must go out to:
Brad Gibson, a wonderful young man who educated me in profound ways. Brad is deaf. And he tackles life with vigor, enthusiasm, and confidence most of us would do well to harness even a fraction of. One of Brad’s passions is poker. Watching him play, communicating with him about his life, opened my eyes to the world of the hearing impaired. Amazing. If I got anything wrong in attempting to present a bit of your world, please forgive me and know the mistakes are entirely mine.
Morgan and Everett Gibson, the two who brought Brad into this world and nurtured him on his journey, molding him into the wonderful, resilient spirit he is today. Thank you all for sharing your experiences, and most of all, thank you for your wonderful, continuing friendship. I am blessed.
Linda Bertuzzi, my dear friend who, despite all of my shortcomings, continues to give this writer a port in the storm of life. There is a special place in heaven and in my heart for you.
Tyler and Lisa Coonts, my kids. You two inspire me every day with your love, compassion, hard work, laughter, and support. The world is so much better with you two in it, as am I. I love you both more than you know.
Barb Nickless and Maria Faulconer, terrific writers and the best friends and critiquers ever! Your help in all things is immeasurable.
My publishing family at Tor/Forge: Bob Gleason, Doherty, Linda Quinton, Patty Garcia, Whitney Ross, Aisha Cloud, and my agent extraordinaire, Susan Gleason. Dream makers one and all.
To independent booksellers, especially Murder by the Book (Houston, Texas), The Tattered Cover (Denver, Colorado), The Poisoned Pen (Scottsdale, Arizona), and Mysterious Galaxy (San Diego and Redondo Beach, California), who have supported this writer in her quest to make the dream of being an author a reality from the very beginning, sticking with me through thick and thin.
To readers. Without you there would be no stories, I’d have to spend every day in the real world, and my passion for storytelling would be unrealized.
To Tiger, Todd, Pierre O’Rourke, David Edgerley Gates, Carol Kahn, Jerry Lamber, Scott Largent, and Diane Mott Davidson. Your voices, your support, your friendship, and your sage advice save me every day. Thanks for putting up with me— you deserve hazardous- duty pay, for sure.
In short, thanks to all.
Now I’m off on the next Lucky adventure, this one set in the gourmet foodie world of Las Vegas, one of the gastronomic capitals of the world. I’m going to need more gym time when I’m finished with my research.
This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.