I can’t believe that I’m sat here, writing the acknowledgements for my fourth book. When I first wrote ‘Angel in Training’ back in 2011/12, I never imagined publishing it, much less writing three and a bit sequels (I’ve taken a break from writing ‘Angel Exalted’ to write this).
One thing is for certain, I wouldn’t have gotten here if it wasn’t for a lot of people. First up is you – the person reading this right now. You picked up ‘Angel in Training’ and liked it enough to keep on reading. That right there means the world to me, and all I can do is thank you from the bottom of my heart!. I hope ‘Angel in Crisis’ didn’t disappoint, and I promise that I will keep trying to improve my writing with each book – because you deserve nothing less. An extra thanks goes out to all of you who have liked or shared a post on the various social media accounts I (sporadically) use. Your support really does mean everything to me. I know that without it, I would still be wishing for somebody to like my book. Liking a post might not seem like much, but it helps so much. And for those of you who have recommended the Louisiangel series, if there was a way to hug you through the pages, I would be doing that right now! I’ve also been informed that you’re all ‘Coffey Beans’ (I didn’t pick that, but I like it), so… welcome to the family…?
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it many times again – I have the best family in the world. Mum, Dad, and Becky: I love you. The last few months have been insane with so much going on and I can’t thank you enough for all the help and support you’ve given me. Thank you. I love you!
One very important person an author needs is a beta reader. I’m lucky because I have more than one – and each one of them is awesome. In fact, awesome doesn’t come close to covering it…
Donna, I don’t know how I manage to survive without your input. It is both valued and invaluable. Thank you for still reading everything and never being afraid to tell me what isn’t working – all while planning a wedding. Girl, you’re a rock.
On the other side of the world, still, is my lovely Libby. (Yes, I’m still coming out to visit you this winter – look that’s in writing for you!) The speed at which you read and send me comments back is unreal. Thank you for being the first to put me at ease while still giving me amazing feedback.
Of course, I can’t go without saying thank you to Martin. You put up with my sporadic response to… everything. You also need to stop giving me ideas or this series will never end! (Actually, don’t, because those conversation we have are great and help flesh things out I hadn’t considered.)
A book wouldn’t be a book without a cover. I have a cover, but I feel that calling it just ‘a cover’ does a severe injustice to the work of art that Amy has once again created. When I first saw it, it honestly took my breath away. Every time you’ve managed to take my vague ideas and create a masterpiece, and this cover is certainly no exception. I’m going to get all these covers framed and hung on my wall. Amy, it’s beautiful and I can’t stop staring at it. Thank you so, so much!!
A huge thank you must go to my real life saint. Paddy, you have once again saved my butt this year. Not only did you keep me company in London when I went to see 24K (for those of you wondering who they are, head over to YouTube and look them up), but also got me home safely when I missed my train. More importantly, and more relevant, you once again provided edits, and this time, we got to go through them together in person. (Or more accurately, you got to go through them with ‘Sharon’.) Thank you for your keen eye, your better grasp of the English language, and for simply being you.
Tina, my other wonderful editor from the other side of the pond. I hope that I will one day be able to meet you in person and go through the edits together too. Thank you for polishing this story up and making sure it makes sense – on both sides of the Atlantic! It is, as always, a pleasure to work with you!
Last in the process, but by no means in importance, are my proof readers – two people who I am lucky to have in my life as friends, as well as proof readers. As always, I try to send the story to you in as good a condition as I possibly can, and each time I keep my fingers crossed that this will be the time that you find no typos or errors. Emily, I am eternally thankful that you look over this before it’s released on the world because you manage to find those typos (and I’m so grateful you do)!
Naomi, I firstly have to check if you’re still mad at me? Are we friends again? Thank you for looking this over – while on your holiday – and spotting what I couldn’t. Something which I am also exceedingly grateful for, even if it means I have failed in providing a perfect manuscript.
This book wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Jana and Jim. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – if it wasn’t for you welcoming me into your home (your house and your Louisiana), these books would never have taken form. On top of that, you still respond to my random questions and explain anything without hesitation. I love you both and I hope you’re staying safe!
I also must say a very important thank you to Kris and Debbie. Kris, you have been an endless source of support when you’ve had so much going off in your own life. I hope all is settling down, and I thank you for being so darn amazing. Debbie, my own personal PR manager – I can’t believe you have managed to persuade so many people to read these books. Thank you!
Last, but by no means the least – in any way, shape, or form, are you amazing bloggers. You astound me with how many books you devour, and you humble me with your kind words. Thank you for taking the time to read and leave a review. I sometimes think y’all are the unsung heroes of the book word and if I had the ability to sing on a stage I would, so instead I will just shout it out here: THANK YOU SO MUCH! IT’S AN HONOR TO BE INCLUDED ON YOUR BLOGS!
Once again, I draw my acknowledgements to a close, and once more the paranoia sets in that I’ve forgotten someone involved in the process. I really hope I haven’t, but if I have, please forgive me: it was not intentional! I truly appreciate your support.
Actually, no, there are more people to thank. Last year, not long after actually finishing the manuscript for ‘Angel in Crisis’, I ended up in a car accident and unable to sit and write comfortably. I also lost my desire to write completely. Part of what got me going again was the inspiration I found in music. In part, the songs giving life to my story, but more so, the artists creating that music reminding me that I need to fight for my dream: my dream being to share my stories. Not just that though – they reminded me that I’ve started this and although it does seem a little strange to me still, but there are people – you – who have read my words and enjoyed them enough to continue down this road with me, that I owe it to you to finish this, for you, to the best of my ability. And that is something I have every intention of doing. Writing isn’t my full time job, but is a really huge, important part of my life. I may be slow, getting the chapters written between life, but I will be working on them. With that in mind, I move on to the part some of you may find strange, but as far as I’m concerned, credit should be given where credit is due, and thanks should also be given when someone has helped you, so, adding to the list of thanks are the groups and artists that have helped me over the past year… Monsta X, 24K, B.A.P, Bigflo, B.I.G, BIGSTAR, Matchbox 20, Howie Day, Sia, History, INX, KNK, Block B, and iKON (there’s no order there, other than how it fell out of my head. Also, if you’re feeling curious, check some of them out!)
There’s nothing more for me to say other than, Thank you. (We’re nearly there!)