My agent, Russ Galen, had been encouraging me for a few years to try my hand at writing a Green Rider novella. I felt like I never had the time to do so because I was always behind on my novels. I did try writing one, but it faltered and I could not resuscitate it. Russ persisted, and then the Berry sisters started talking to me, and voila! The Dream Gatherer came into being. It was a satisfying experience to write a 21,500 word story that took mere months to write, as opposed to a 250,000 word behemoth that took years. Thanks for pushing me, Russ. Maybe I’ll write another one sometime.
DAW Books is known for publishing massive tomes of epic fantasy, so it surprised me when my editor, Betsy Wollheim, wanted to publish The Dream Gatherer as a “little book.” The novella was, by itself, a little too short for physical book form, so why not add a story? Why not two? And maybe an introduction. And yes, she would let me use my own amateur illustrations for the interior. I confess I kinda got carried away. Or, at least, that’s what I thought, because then they requested MORE. How many? As many as I could do—aaaahhhh!! In any case, I am grateful for Betsy’s support of my books and the world of the Green Riders over all these years, and I thank her for her willingness to publish this “little book.” (And maybe for opening the door to a new career in illustration? Nah. Donato’s job is VERY secure.)
Julie Czerneda and I sold our first books to DAW in the same year—1996. However, hers, A Thousand Words for Stranger, came out a year before mine. We got to know each other online, then eventually met in person at World Fantasy in Montreal (2001). I became one of her groupies (a happy bunch known as Czernedians). She also introduced me to butter tarts! She was not only a friend, but a guide when it came to publishing. I could go to her to get her read on certain situations and ask questions. I admit there are times when she terrifies me, especially when salmon puffs are in the offing, but you won’t meet a sharper, savvier, wiser author than Julie. By the way, she writes strong character-based science fiction and fantasy and has numerous titles to her name. If you haven’t read her work, I encourage you to look it up. Thank you, Julie, for all the years of friendship and fun, and for graciously creating the introduction to this book.
My thanks to my friend Mel (MelBob) Rice for her feedback on the stories in this book.
Thank you to Donato for painting such a perfect cover for The Dream Gatherer.
Here is a re-thank you to Terry Goodkind, who gave of his precious time to me when I was starting out.
Thank you to my support crew over the years, my four-legged companions who have kept me sane on this twenty-year journey. I am not sure this writing life would be worthwhile without them. All but the last two have since passed: Batwing, Percy, Earl Grey, Gryphon, Watson, and Bella. I love you guys always and forever.
To all those Greenies and dreamers out there, happy twentieth and thanks for coming along for the ride. Let’s see what adventures the next twenty years bring!