I would like, first and foremost, to thank Eduardo “Wato” Canto. Best screenwriter in Hollywood and the first person to bleed red ink all over my manuscript. Wato showed me that I really had a great story with a heck of a lot of grammatical errors. Next, my editor Theodora O’Brien. Dorrie is a no-holds-barred type of editor. She tells it like it is and sticks to her guns. I tried to battle, but eventually realized that she was right all along. Dorrie took my story and made it flow, and for that I can’t thank you enough. Cris Wanzer, my proofreader. I must have proofread my manuscript dozens of times before I sent it out to you. I now realize how important and difficult your work can be. Thank you for your time and knowledge.
Captain Johnny M. Bittick (Ret) with 600 carrier landings and 320 combat missions under his belt. It is because of you that my book has that “real feel” to it. Thank you for your editing and for your service to our country. And H.P. “Viking” Lillebo, F-8 Crusader pilot, Fighter Squadron 13 (VF-13) on USS Shangri-La, thank you for your website on the annotated guide to Navy pilots’ lingo and bringing together Captain Bittick and I.
Rashid Siahpoosh, who I consider a very good critic and friend. Thanks for being honest and straightforward with your analysis. To my two best friends: Javier Canto, best graphic designer in the business. Thank you for your help in designing the cover for the book. You knew exactly what was needed even though I held you back a bit! And Valerio Vitoria, crazy, over-the-top, best pilot, military, and policeman I know. Now retired (or so he says). Yes, the character of Val is based on this crazy guy.
I would also like to thank my family: My uncle “OC,” the smartest, most kind and generous man I know. Thank you for taking me under your wings and giving me the knowledge and education, which I now pass on to my children. My cousin, Vincent Perez. He was the first person to lay eyes on my story, and once done, he came knocking at my door insisting that I share it with the world. His brother, Steve. Whenever I am stuck or have a problem I always ask, “What would Steve do?” And to date he has always been right. My one and only brother, James Blanchard, who by publishing his book before me, made me want to beat him at his own game. Thank you, James, for all your help and walking me through the process that is the publishing and marketing world of books. It is always nice to have another writer in the family to talk about our passion.
Author Matthew Reilly. Thank you for sharing your genius gift of writing. Your work is my inspiration. Your writing style opened my eyes to a new form of storytelling. Keep bringing those wonderful stories to light.
Lastly, to my wife and kids. Honey, I know I can disappear when I am writing, so I wanted to thank you for taking care of the world around us when I am lost in thought. You are the glue that keeps everything together and in order. And our kids, Jean-Luc, Jacques, and Xavier…the inquisitive look in your eyes when I test my stories on you always lets me know if I am onto something or if I need a rewrite. Always know that life is full of wonder. So go out there and explore…then sit down and write about it.