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Halfway through 2016, a story came to me. I wrote the first draft in two months. Its characters were so real and vivid, I often felt like an intruder in their lives. That was when writing was a hobby, and just for me. But that would change.
I am grateful for the support of authors who have been here before me, believed in me and encouraged me. My editor, author Annie Seaton, who is a wealth of wisdom and experience and so easy to work with. Also, very patient with all my questions. Thank you for loving Scott and Caitlin’s story and helping me get it out for others to read.
Alli Sinclair, who has always encouraged me and was the first author to say my writing sounded like a writer wrote it. Therefore, in my mind, making it official. Alli was the first to make me believe in myself and my abilities and call myself a writer.
The Romance Writers of Australia, the Aspiring Author’s loop, their Online Writing Labs, the competitions, and the annual conference were all a major part of my development. They are there for anyone, not just those who wish to write in that genre. Also, the craft books of Jeff Gerke, and Ted Dekker’s course, The Creative Way, had a lot to do with it too.
I’d like to thank the members of my long-suffering family. Our daughter Gillian has read every draft of this story and I don’t blame her if she decides she doesn’t want to read it...again. Thank you for your enthusiasm which spurred me on to believe.
Thank you to our daughter, Emma. You are so talented and such a resource. I don’t know where to begin to list the help you give me constantly, from basic writing skills to what images suit best. I’ll trust your intuition always.
Our son Frank, my martial-art, survivalist, and general does-that-sound-okay-from-a-guy-point-of-view? person. Thank you.
Our son-in-law, Richard, who kept me right with the Scots tongue and Scottish history.
Our niece, Vicky the vaper, thanks for the insider information.
Many thanks Leanne Prosser, for checking the horsey stuff and Sally Sewell for double-checking the surgery.
Thank you to the rest of my family, friends and workmates who always encouraged and never scoffed.
Special thanks to my critique partners, Mindy Graham and Laurelle Kinsman, for all the back and forth emails. Your opinions are always helpful and encouragement always spot-on.
Finally, I wish to thank my husband Frank, for his unwavering support and encouragement. He has missed out on many hours with me, so I could share this story with you.
Jenn