Exposed: Book One of The Love Seekers Series (40 page)

Acknowledgments

              It’s funny. When I started working on this book, I was in the middle of writing another book, which did not want to flow for me. I had a dream about accidentally pinging someone after a bad date, and that person responding with an encouraging message.

I love hockey, and my family will tell you that I never write during a hockey game. This dream gave me an idea for a story, and that idea would not leave me alone. I finally decided to write one paragraph even though I was in the process of watching a hockey game. One paragraph turned into one chapter…and it just kept flowing like that. I don’t think I’ve ever written something that plagued me to write it as much as this book and the characters in it.

Originally, it was going to be a one shot, but Chad kept speaking to me and he wound up with a bigger part in Exposed than he was initially scheduled to have. He’ll also have his own book in the series, which will be found in Love Seekers Two. The title, Redeemed. But that isn’t the end of the series. Evan’s book will be the third and final act in the series.

In 2010, I suddenly became very sick. No one could figure out what was wrong with me. I was weak, couldn’t breathe, and struggled with functioning on a day to day basis. Eventually, I was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis. As with many people with an auto-immune disease, other auto-immune diseases were found. The doctors have since decided I don’t have myasthenia gravis, but they haven’t quite figured me out yet. I like to keep them on their toes.

This book was a journey for me. Many of the feelings are my own. Some of the struggles and the horrible dates, really did happen. Not everything though. I do have to use a walker. I do have to take a lot of meds to keep me upright. I do have an army of doctors that help me. And I do hope for a cure for myself, and for my fellow auto-immune sufferers.

After I became sick, my family encouraged me to start writing again. I started writing fanfiction, and my fans there encouraged me to write a novel. I published Another Chance in 2015. Boy did I have a lot to learn, and still do. I have come a long way, and looking back on it all, I’m glad I published that book, but there are a lot of things I would have done differently.

To my family, thank you for always having my back, for your support and encouragement, and for being there when my life completely changed. I wouldn’t have made it without you.

To Shana Vanterpool, thank you for stepping in to edit the book when my editor had to back out. I was about to panic and you saved me. I’m sure it was not the easiest and you wanted to pull your hair out, but we did it. You are a lifesaver. I love your books, your spirit, your love of abs, and your friendship. You are amazing. Don’t worry. Chad will get his story. You helped me get my story out there. Thank you. Spencer says hi to Bella. (Everyone reading this, if you have not read her work, DO IT!!)

To the girls at Smokin’ Hot Reads Book Blog: Jamie, Krista, and Melissa. You are the best. You showed me the ropes, encouraged me, and are some of the greatest friends I could ever ask for. Krista, I want more dirty ditties. Love you. Jamie, your friendship and support me more to me than you will ever know. Thank you for inviting me to join the blog. Melissa, thank you for being my PA when I needed it, encouraging me to write the story, and telling me all about BT Urruela (the muse for Bryan).

To Melissa, Becca, Becky, Brenda, Cara, and Sharon. Thank you for beta reading for me. I couldn’t have done this without you.

To T.E. Black and Cover Luxe Designs. The cover for Exposed turned into something amazing. I fell in love the moment you showed me the picture and you went above and beyond my expectations. T, you have helped me so much with designing everything, even when it was crunch time for the signing, and you supported me. I am forever grateful!!

To the countless blogs and people that have helped to promote Exposed, thank you!! Without you, indie authors would get little exposure. You help keep our community growing and spreading. Thank you for getting the word out.

To my high school creative writing teacher, Mrs. Shelton, you always encouraged me to go for my dreams, and I will forever be grateful. Under your guidance, I learned so much about myself and my writing.

To my friends, you are the best. After I got sick, you were there for me, and picked me up when I felt discouraged. You helped me to remember that I was not alone, that you were right there with me.

To Joyce, we have been best friends since we were kids, and I hope we continue to be best friends throughout our life. You have always kept it real with me and told me when I was being an idiot, but with my writing, you did nothing but encourage me. You told me I could do it and when I got frustrated, you listened to me gripe. I love you.

To the MG Flakes, this disease is not easy to live with or deal with; and too many Flakes have left us too soon. This books is for them and the ones that continue to fight. You welcomed me into your community with open arms, and even after they changed my diagnosis, you still embraced and loved me. We are on this journey together. We will fall, we will struggle, and yes, at time we will feel discouraged, but we will always continue to fight. I love all of you.

To my readers of my books and of my fanfiction, thank you for reading my work and for supporting me. You will forever hold a special place in my heart.

To the ladies at SaSS, thank you for taking a chance on me and giving me a table at my very first book signing. I had so much fun and loved every minute of it!!

Everyone, thank you for believing in me. Chad’s book is next in the series. Look for Redeemed coming your way in 2017.

About the Author

Maria Vickers currently lives in St. Louis, MO with her pug, Spencer Tracy. She has always had a passion for writing, and after she became disabled, she decided to use writing as her escape.
Exposed
is her second novel to be published.

She has learned a lot about life and herself after becoming sick. One of the things she has learned and lives by is, life is about what you make of it. You have to live it to the fullest no matter the circumstances.

From the author:

I’ve always loved books. Not only creating stories, but reading them as well. Books transport me, and when I was younger, I would run into walls because I refused to put my books down even for a second. Take not, walking while reading is not advised. LOL.

With my books, I dream of sharing my stories with the world. I want others to be transported or to feel the emotions my characters feel. That is my goal. If I can do that for one person, I succeeded.

Getting sick changed me and my life, but it also opened doors that I thought were closed. Today, even though I may not be able to do as much as I once could, I still have my mind, and I can write.