Read Clouds That Were (Weathered Hearts) Online
Authors: Addison Footit
Clouds That Were (Weathered Hearts) (18 page)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
To God who
told me numerous times and in many different ways that I am a writer. Thanks to Him for being patient with me and for guiding my mind and my heart through this entire process.
To my husband Bryan, for listening to me tell stories about Chase and Tenley as if they are real. For talking me out of quitting the book and getting a job in a factory. We both know I wouldn’t have lasted an hour in a factory. You have been my rock. This book would not exist without your support. I love you, and thank you for being my cheerleader… and for not wearing an actual cheerleader uniform, cause that would just be weird.
To my children, Emma, Jack, and Will. Thank you for understanding when you had to dig through baskets to find laundry, have ramen noodles or cereal for dinner, and for my absence at important events and games because I just had to get these thoughts out of my head. Following this dream of mine isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. Always follow your dreams, and never ever let anyone tell you you aren’t good enough. I love all three of you more than anything, and you can do whatever you set your mind to!
To Jessica Park, thank you for holding my hand through this entire process. You are an amazing person, and an even more amazing writer. Check out her books (some of my favorites) at http://jessicapark.me/.
To my sister Desiré Lowery, who read the book in all of it’s stages, yelled at me when she wanted more, and helped me work through the problems I had with the story. I love you, you are the best seester a girl could have!
To my beta readers, Teena Medick, Vanessa Ryan, Nancy Molinaire, Jeanne Footit, and Bryan Siebers. Your honesty and love of the characters are priceless to me.
To my editor Carmen Comeaux, thank you for being patient with me, and for every comma that has been added and removed from this book. It would still be a hot mess without you!
To Sarah Hansen, thank you for creating this beautiful cover. The way you crawled into my mind and saw what it needed is a little creepy, but I would happily have you in my head anytime. Thank you!
To my grandparents, Corrine and Richard Krueger, for being better than the grandparents in this story, and for being my parents. I know I wasn’t an easy person to raise, but my strength and confidence come from you. Thank you both for filling the emptiness that was caused by my mother.
To my “Jesus Freak” of an aunt, Amy Anaya, and her husband and kids, Jose, Ric and Jo Anaya. You taught me what family is supposed to be, and most important, you gave me my faith in God. For that I am eternally grateful.
Special thanks to Joseph Quinnell, who wrote the original poem “Clouds That Were” for letting me use the title.
And last but not least, I am grateful to you. If you are reading this, thank you for taking a chance on my novel. I hope it made you feel.
LOOK FOR THE SEQUEL:
Storms Never Last
#2 in the Weathered Hearts Series
Coming Fall of 2014
While Tenleys story is a work of fiction, it is somewhat autobiographical. Having been in this situation, I know that suicide is a very real thought for many people, but it is not the answer. If you or someone you know is in a crisis situation, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
100% of the proceeds of this book are being donated to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline during Suicide Prevention Week.
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