| |
Every book is unique, and each writer has an army that stands behind them, every member of which brings unique skills to help the final product take shape. Chen, my beloved, difficult child, is no exception. While there is never enough space to thank the limitless hands (and paws) that shape the creation of a story, I certainly have to try.
First, to Sasha—you fit in edits, provided suggestions, and helped shape and reshape this story. The rough clay I first sent you ages ago has little resemblance to the final product, and that’s all to the story’s benefit. You catch my problems and logic gaps like no one else, and you seem to inherently know the best way to drag a compelling story from the rough-hewn clay I often start with. Thank you for your patience, your skill, and above all, your friendship.
To my darling partner, none of this would be possible without you. You are the happily ever after in my life, and your support, your belief, and your love help make everything else possible. Thank you for continually being my shoulder, my support, and when I need it, my taskmaster. Most of all, thank you for continuing to say yes every day.
To my papillons, F and L – even though I know you can’t read this. The umbra wolves are my love letter to you and they couldn’t have existed without you in my life. As Nick Cave perfectly wrote “grief is the terrible reminder of the depths of our love, and like love, grief is non-negotiable.” The joys, love, and also the grief that you’ve taught me have made my life immensely richer. This has been a hard year to get through, and one fewer set of paws has ached more than I expected. But I learned from you both that nothing is so bad that it can’t be healed by cuddling a fluff, chasing a ball, having a good meal, or sleeping at the seaside. I’ll miss you forever, F.
Thank you to Shannan who told me I should, and Kim who made me look good, and my sisters and brothers in my RWA chapter who keep me honest and inspired. Thanks to Veronica and Pauline and all my Pets in Space fellows – what great fun we’ve had, for such good cause; I’m looking forward to the next round already.
And lastly, thank you dear reader, and all the readers. Science Fiction Romance is a niche inside another niche, and it is your belief that they aren’t strange bedfellows, your voracious appetite for more great stories, and your dedication that keep me going. You are collectively the reason I sit down in front of the keyboard every day, and the payout that makes all the low times worthwhile.
Bless you all,
JC