Acknowledgements
When my publisher asked me to write the acknowledgements page, I had just—that day—moved from Galveston, Texas to Wichita, Kansas. (Literally, I read the message while eating dinner at Arby’s, right after unloading the last box off the moving truck.)
Moving was daunting—and so was writing my acknowledgments—not because I didn’t want to, but because I knew I had an extremely long list of people to thank.
I know that I’ve forgotten someone, or possibly quite a few people, so if you happen to get on my list of “people I forgot”, don’t feel bad. Instead, take heart in knowing that you are smarter than I am.
Until now, I truly didn’t understand the meaning of the phrase, “This book wouldn’t have been possible if not for…”
My heart is full of gratitude for everyone who gave so freely of their time and energy. I am truly blessed to be surrounded by such charitable, selfless friends.
First, I want to thank my husband David. He is my eternal companion. He supports me in every way—he reads all my first drafts, he supplies me with all the books on writing a person could want, and he’s my first sounding board. His love for Dr. Pepper gave me the inspiration I needed to create Kull, and he is possibly the only person more excited about my book than I am.
I would also like to thank:
My children: Phoenix, Sequoia, Bridger, Gabriel, and Ronan—the five cutest, most talented, friendliest, and almost always well-mannered kids a person could have.
Jane Hanks—my mom. I will forever be grateful for your Uni stories—and for Fan’twar.
John Hanks—my dad, who gave me the motivation to work.
Lorena—my sister, and more importantly, a great writer, whose books I hope to see soon on the shelves beside mine!
Andrea—my sister, and Josh—my brother. You two are great siblings, but even better friends.
Nancy—my mom-by-marriage, whose contributions to my writing will never be forgotten. The laptop and editing funds, to name a few.
My father-in-law, Dale. My sisters-in-law, Rachelle, Beth, Ilana, and Abby.
Nick (who gave me the crazy fairy idea.)
Tulsa friends, who babysat while I went off to those crazy writing classes, and who supported me throughout the arduous writing process: Sherri Soth, Mylinda Ellis, Ann Jones, Marie Wood, Jan Bunderson, Lynsie Harmon, Susan Hlusko, Adriahna Myers, the Musungayi family (Big, Mi Mi, Rolande, Joyce, Tina, Kabeya, Sara, and Elodie.) Marci Mason, Suzie Burt, LeAnee Queen, Jenette Pierce, Lindsey Macintosh, Carolyn Anders, Janis and Ernie Myers.
William Bernhardt—most possibly the greatest writing teacher alive on the planet today. It would have taken me years to learn what you taught in a couple of weeks.
Also, friends from the writing group, whose advice and comments helped make my book better: Sabrina Fish, Tom Barczak, Erin York, Savvy Thorne, Katherine West, and Lara Bernhardt.
Galveston friends, whose reviews and support were invaluable: JoAnne Jones, Stormie West, Briana Mann, Cassidy Beus, Marian Millo, Katelyn Anderson, Beth Coon, Kim Marsh, Sharlene Ferrin, Mara Bliss, Teri Erasmus, Pepper McCoy, Sarah Van Wagenen, Natalie McQuay, Arrow Eastham, Anne Nance, Wilma Nance, Pat Merkley, Ruben and Irene Gariby.
I want to give an extra special thank-you to Clean Teen, who took a leap of faith and found Dreamthief worthy of publication: Beckie Gober, Courtney Nuckles, Dyan Brown, Marya Heiman, and Melanie Newton.
Fellow Clean Teen authors whose books inspired me to submit my own: Holly Kelly, Jennifer Anne Davis, Erica Kiefer, Amanda Strong, Melissa Cunningham, and Jon Messenger.
A huge thanks to Clean Teen’s editors, who helped make my diamond a little less rough: Chelsea Brimer and Cynthia Scott Shepp.
Also, Tifani Clark, Aunt Charlene, Angela Archer, Uncle Larry—my first writing teacher, and Braden Bell—my first editor, and a great teacher and mentor.
Lastly, I want to thank my loving Heavenly Father. He is my savior and redeemer. He blessed me with the gift to write, but more importantly, the motivation to keep going when I felt like I couldn’t, and for that I will be forever be grateful.
About the Author
Dreamthief Page 52