I have not the words to thank Elle Casey and Lindsay Buroker for taking an interest in an unknown new writer and answering my questions, no matter how trivial. Very early in my learning to be a professional writer, I read everything I could from other successful writers on how to do this job. That you two took an interest in me and mentored me with suggestions and great references for professional services really propped me up at times!
I deeply appreciate my dedicated volunteer beta-readers Lori, Maria, Nicole, Shannon, Scott, Nancy, Kylee, Robert, Joyce, Nancy, Diane, and Matt. All of you deserve a great big thank you to for reading and re-reading this book to give me valuable feedback. You helped shape the new characters as well as keeping me honest on the timeline. I am honor to have worked with all of you.
To one of the greatest editors of all time, Alexis Arendt (wordvagabond.com), a tremendous thank you. Your hours of toil, words of support, and editorial comments made this book a reality. Looking down, I humbly apologize for the number of reflexive sentences. You are the best!
To Kitten Jackson (kittenkjackson.com), an amazing editor with a unique view on my work. I really appreciate you stepping out of your comfort zone into the weird genre of fantasy. However, now that you are properly addicted to the genre, the world is a better place. Thank you for sneaking my book into your tight schedule.
The unbelievably great art work, formatting, and cover work for this book was done by Glendon Haddix, Tabatha Haddix, and Steven Doty of Streetlight Graphics (www.StreetlightGraphics.com). Steve Doty is the principle sketch artist, and in spite of my promise to keep revisions to a minimum, he still redid a number of sketches until I was simply awestruck at seeing an image of something I had only imagined. I am really sorry I caused so many eraser holes, because every piece you made was amazing from the beginning!
To my loving wife who, at first ,wasn’t sure about what would happen, but supported me anyway--I love you. You took care of so many things and let me spin my threads on the keyboard. Also, to my son who kept me off the keyboard often enough that I didn’t miss out entirely on your fifth and sixth years of life! Talking to you and playing games gave me a lot of interesting ideas that I hope you remember as you read these stories.
Finally, to everyone else I cannot possibly list from my life who are my friends and family. You all inspire me, make me laugh, and support me when I’m down. I love you all! Stay sharp and don’t forget to call from time to time.
OTHER WORKS BY LEELAND ARTRA
GOLDEN THREADS TRILOGY
Book One : Thread Slivers (January 2013)
Book Two : Thread Strands (August 2013)
Book Three : Thread Skein (available spring 2014)
Thread Strands (Golden Threads Trilogy) Page 44