Acknowledgments
As I have crafted numerous novels throughout the years, the list of people that support me has continued to grow. I’m so very thankful. And beyond all, I’m often humbled. Sometimes, it all seems like a wonderful dream being blessed to do what you love. I started this incredible journey back in 2005, and when my first release titled Say U Promise made the Essence Magazine Bestseller List, I thought it could get no better. But it did. I now have over fifty various projects to smile about and am still counting.
To my husband, best friend, and rock, Author Marlon PS White. You’ve been holding me down behind the scenes since 1999. Now, you have stepped out of the shadows and are doing ya own thing in this book industry. (Young and Hungry, I Can Touch the Bottom, Goodfellas, Around the Way Girls 10, Caged Passion, The Other Part of the Game, Detroit Black Bottom Gangster, On Parole, and The Penitentiary Raised Me) I love you big as the world is round and support your endeavors just as you’ve done mine. What was still is.
My mother, Ella Fletcher, has had my back in each and every way a parent should. She has stood by me and supported my dreams. She believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. I know I don’t say it enough, but I love you.
My daughter, Essence Bestseller, Author T. C. Littles is a writing machine in her own right. She has been here to see my visions and assist me in making them a reality. We have spent numerous hours on the phone plotting and scheming how we can take over the world. One day, we just might make it happen (smile). Thanks for my grandkids, Jayden and Lil Ella.
My brother Dwayne Fletcher and cousin Othello Lewis, it’s always love. Rita Fletcher, continue to RIP. I miss you still. At Aretha Franklin’s funeral, Jesse Jackson was posted beginning to end and never left her or the family’s side. I remarked, “I wish I had a friend like that.” Truth be told, I do. My best friend, Dorothea Lewis, is and has been my road dawg for decades. I love ya, sis! Even when you clown, I will pull out my red nose and clown with you (smile). My homeboy for life, Thomas Walker, aka Bone Capone. Man, we have been through the trenches for years. We are always gonna be family. One Love!
Several folks in this industry have made my journey more than interesting, and each I hold in high regard. K’wan Foye was the first author that I considered my friend. Also, the first author to sign his novels at my bookstore. Nikki Turner prayed for me when times were hard. Carl Weber blessed me with a deal and constant advice. Karen Mitchell and George Denard are like true family. Jeff Dumpson and Jewels, Chelle, and Jada’s cousin (smile). When the chips were down, Faye Wilkes, K’wan Foye, Danielle Green, and Blacc Topp stepped all the way up. I will never forget the love you showed me and mines. We appreciate you—nothing but respect and gratitude. People talk shit all day long, but these four backed it up. If you want to know the definition of loyalty, look no further.
To Monique S. Hall, Racquel Williams, Spud Johnson, Ty Marshal, Danielle Bigsby, Avery Goode, Joe Awsum, and, of course, my li’l hometown soul sista for life, India-Johnson Williams… Collectively, y’all have had my back, shown love, and been nothing short of one hundred from day one. In this industry, that’s rare.
A special thank-you to Tonya Woodfolk, Johnnay Johnson, Stacy Jabo, Papaya, Jenise Brown, and Ne-c Virgo for always traveling to my events. And to Qiana Drennen, you created something great. DRMRAB was legendary. That book club and all its chapters impacted the paperback world in ways unimaginable. I salute you for that. To the other Detroit-based book clubs that rock with me, The Plot Seekers and EyeCu, thanks for the continued support.
Lastly, to the Hood Book Ambassadors, Trina Crenshaw, Yolanda McCormick, Nia Smith, Krystal Robinson, Jay Knox, Desiree Bailey, La Kiesha Wright, Renita Walker, Chanelle Patton, Eurydice Lofton, Martha Falconer, Tina Brown, Vickie Juncaj, Passion Beauford, Margaret Waleed, T. C. Littles, you are the greatest book club and moral support a girl could ever have. I salute you all. We stay rocking that blue and orange at the Detroit Hustle & Grind Book Fair. Ain’t nothing betta than my HBA family!