Though people often consider writing a solitary activity, it really isn’t. Yes, we write the stories, but behind us are many wonderful people who help us survive our labors of love.
First, I wouldn’t be here without my ever-patient sweetie, who endured my anxiety attacks, random questions on plot without any context, and working myself to exhaustion, all with humor, grace, hugs, and chocolate (lots and lots of chocolate). He holds the special honor of being the only person allowed to read my very first drafts, and it was his honest responses to them that made me remember that stories are meant to be shared, even mine. Seriously, any man who could handle being with a writer is a keeper!
I also owe so many thank yous (and hugs, gotta have hugs!) to my friend Madeline, who offered me a steady stream of encouragement and support as I reached the home stretch, as well as provided many helpful insights on earlier revisions of this story that helped me find the buried diamond in my rougher drafts. Words could never fully express how much you regularly telling me that you believed in me and seeing your excitement when I made progress meant to me!
And, finally, thank you to my amazing editor, Lauren, who helped me whip the final revision of Aisuru into its final form and worked tirelessly to help me fulfill my “dream” release date. I look forward to working with her on future projects, confident her guidance will continue to help me improve my craft and polish my babies till they shine.
Thank you, all of you and to the others in my life, both online and in the real world, who have cheered me along the way. I truly would not have made it to this point without each and every one of you!