It’s hard to write an acknowledgement for the second novel in a series without it sounding like a doppelganger of the first. I have to thank many of the same people, but I don’t mind. Without their contributions, this novel never would have been completed.
I must again thank my military advisors, beginning with Captain Russell Ervin, USN (retired). Captain Ervin scrubbed my manuscript clean of all Navy-related mistakes and offered insights that as a civilian, I never would have considered. A writer himself, Captain Ervin also provided valuable advice on the craft of writing, making my manuscript that much better. Russell is also a good friend, whose investment in my life has been considerable.
Then there’s Colonel Thomas “Vulture” Lawhead, USAF (retired). Colonel Lawhead never ceases to surprise and impress me. His insights are genuinely inspired. He keeps me from heading in the wrong direction on many elements, and not just aspects related to spacecraft, fighter pilots, etc. During one of our telephone conversations, Vulture said something about Scarecrow’s character that was nothing short of profound. I made sure I included it in the narrative/dialogue. But that’s what happens when you have men and women with the kind of experience these 0-6’s have, and I’m not just speaking about their military experience. My contributors have extensive life experience as well. They’ve been trained not only to operate the military hardware that is their stock in trade, but they’ve been trained to work with fellow officers and enlisted in a team setting. They understand the psychology of how those soldiers, sailors and airmen react to any given situation, both on and off duty. Like Captain Ervin, I consider Colonel Lawhead a very dear friend.
Last but not least, I must again thank Major Teresa Drag, USMC (retired) for her considerable contributions to Book Two. I was very fortunate to meet Major Drag, since, like my character Sandy Cooper, she too is a Marine Corps Major. Her insights are invaluable, providing me with the opportunity to see through Sandy Cooper’s eyes. Major Drag is somewhat of a “renaissance” woman–she has abilities that go far beyond her Marine Corps training. All of her varied skills help to enhance the flavour of my stories, and I consider her a very special friend as well.
2020 has been a difficult year for everyone. Some more than others. In May of last year, my wife Anna-Marie was diagnosed with cancer. Like anyone who receives such news, it was a blow to both of us. However, we both had a strange peace, and we were undaunted. She underwent surgery immediately, which was successful. That and ongoing treatments, coupled with our faith, led to later scans and blood tests that revealed no cancer remained. We are very thankful for those negative results. During Anna-Marie’s ordeal, it was my turn to provide support for her. However, in spite of her own struggle, she continued to support and encourage me. Writing the second novel in a series is a considerable task–if it is not better than the first, readers will lose interest and not continue to read the rest of the series. A lot of pressure. In spite of her own condition, Anna-Marie continued to help and support me as I worked on Book Two. Hopefully, we were successful in producing a second novel that will retain reader’s interest in the series. If so, then Anna-Marie deserves the lion’s share of the credit. The Almighty has truly blessed me with the most incredible wife in the world.
My children Justina and Jonathan continue to help and encourage me as well. Justina, a paramedic, found time in her hectic schedule to oversee and advise on the medical aspects of my manuscript. She is also a voracious reader, and read my various revisions, offering insights and helpful suggestions.
Once again, Jonathan–my computer savant son–provided numerous insights into the various Solar Warden technologies. He pushed me and helped me to describe tech that is only theoretical today. If Solar Warden is real, they’ve got some pretty cool toys to play with. Jonathan helped me to flesh those toys out so the story makes one stop and consider whether it is indeed true or not.
This time I must thank Tom Edwards (tomedwardsdesign.com) for the cover. Tom is very talented, and provided a design exactly as I envisioned it. When he saw the conceptual sketch I provided, he said it reminded him of a classic science fiction cover image. He then set to work producing an exceptional cover, incorporating classic and modern elements, all the while being very gracious as he put up with my perfectionist nit-picking.
I must also mention Jim Blaho and John Ventre for offering endorsements for Book Two. In a past iteration, Jim was an editor for Prentice Hall Publishers. He was instrumental in helping me with marketing Book One, and remains a valuable resource for my writing journey. John Ventre is somewhat of a legend in the UFO community, having researched the UFO phenomenon since the early ‘90s, and having been interviewed on such programs as “Ancient Aliens” and “Hangar 1: The UFO Files.” John has also written numerous books on the subject of UFOs and paranormal phenomenon. He was very gracious in providing me with an endorsement, and in turn, I’m very grateful for his support.
And once again, I must also offer my sincere thanks to Damon Glatz, Amanda VanMeter and the Bookbaby team for their hard work in publishing Book Two. They bring everything together into an excellent finished product.
While last year was a struggle for everyone, there were some silver linings I am also thankful for. Along with my wife’s victory over cancer, last year I published my debut novel–the first novel in this series. Then in November, I was informed I’d won an award. Book One of Solar Warden was voted “best science fiction novel of 2020” by N. N. Light’s Book Heaven, a book promotion website with over three million subscribers. I was shocked, but also genuinely honored.
It is my sincere hope Book Two will be as well received.