Acknowledgements

 

Writing Dreamwalkers was one of the most terrifying things I’ve ever done.

Luckily, I was not alone. I have a deep well of gratitude, and I can’t thank every person who helped bring this book into the world, or I’ll be like that awards-show actor who has to be dragged off the stage, but I’m going to try.

First and foremost, I must thank my family, who have always encouraged my creative endeavors.

To my husband Joaquin, who has loved and supported me for over forty years: I knew when you saved me from that snakebite, it would get into print someday. You found the road through Pacheco Canyon, and your suggestions and patience throughout this process were essential. Most of all, you brought me to the desert and showed me where the magic was hidden.

To my sons Adam and Kelly, who approved the plot twists and the fight scenes, and whose loyalty and love inspired the bond between Vivian and Brian.

To my grandson Tristan, who inspires me to follow my dreams.

The Apache tribal communities are spread out over thousands of miles, and intricate cultural nuances vary widely across those miles. I’d like to thank Beverly Malone, from the White Mountain Apache Cultural Center, for her assistance in art, culture, and language accuracy, and Daiv Sundown for the conversations about the power of dreams, which planted the seeds of this story. Special thanks to Sharon Gloshay, archaeologist and sensitivity reader, for honoring me with her invaluable insights into White Mountain Apache language and traditions. Any inaccuracies in this book are unintentional and completely my own.

The family of writers that makes up the Twitter #WritingCommunity numbers in the thousands, and the wealth of knowledge and experience there is incomparable. A special shout-out to my writer-sister Marti Parham and to all the #Unicorns. However, nothing has had more impact on my work than Stuart White and the WriteMentor program. His program introduced me to my mentor and fairy godmother, Carla V. Lewis. Carla is a gift from the gods, and I am forever grateful.

Thank you to Cassie and everyone at Champagne Book Group for giving Vivi’s story a new home.

Thank you to Stacey Hoyt, for your unwavering support and hilarious wisdom on everything from family dynamics to Mercury retrograde. You have kept me sane.

To Tamara McCullough, tarot wizard, who was right about everything.

I’d also like to thank my students and colleagues at Americas High School, especially Neysa Hardin, book warrior extraordinaire. Her warm enthusiasm and passion for the Southwest inspired me on many discouraging days. Librarian Nancy Rodriguez read my early, awkward drafts and urged me forward. Thank you, Ashley Diaz, Desiry Flores, and Jacob Quintana, for my beautiful author photo.

To Thompson Pamela McLeod, mere thanks will never be enough. My BFF, writer-blogger-foodie-fashionista, who named Déjà Vu and jokes that we share the same brain, you are my best friend, toughest critic, and head cheerleader. I would have never even started this journey if it wasn’t for you, much less made it this far.

And finally, to New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment: the magic is there, when you know where to look.