Confession: I love beards.
I don’t know what took me so long to write a character who sported one—and I don’t know why it took so many calendar days to actually write and complete this book. I started early summer; normally, it takes me about four months to write a full-length novel, but this summer was rough going, and this one took me a good six months.
Slow. Going.
Not my norm, but nothing about this summer was normal. Not for me, anyway.
So I have to thank everyone who was patient with me; the people who were there for me when things weren’t great. When life wasn’t easy. When the words wouldn’t come, no matter how hard I tried.
You can’t force it.
My assistant Christine isn’t just my assistant. She’s one of my best friends **holds back the tears** and one of the people I reply on the most. Not just for book related business, but for…my heart. I confide in her, trust her, and love her dearly. She’s my rock. Support. The one constant I have in my life right now besides my beautiful daughter.
I couldn’t have made it though the summer, or finish this book, without Christine cheerleading me on. I know this manuscript made her nervous; I know she didn’t think it would be done on time. I know she was afraid to read it, LOL.
I love you, Christine.
Meghan Quinn—you’re another one that carried me this summer. I know I gave you more than a few heart palpitations and stressed you out; thank you for being patient, and kind, and wonderful. I probably didn’t deserve any of it, but I’m grateful for it. You’re a true, fast friend.
Thank you to my Beta Readers, Laurie Darter and Jennifer Bidwell. I wasn’t sure I’d even have the chance to have anyone take a peek at it in advance, and I think I exhaled a huge sigh of relief when you both actually liked the book.
My editor Caitlyn Nelson, whom I had to email multiple times and push back my editing dates **awkward smile** I was so relieved to make my deadline.
My proofreaders Jennifer VanWyk and Karen Lawson.
Formatter, Alyssa Garcia with Uplifting Designs.
It takes a Village to publish a book, and I haven’t even thanked half the people who touched this novel, helped with teasers, graphics, promo, feedback, social media…the list goes on and on.
I’m grateful for you all.
Xoxo
Sara