Relics (36 page)

For me, creating a novel requires encouragement, support and a very healthy dose of honesty. I greatly appreciate those who gave me that, as well as their time and efforts to help make my dream a reality.

To the wonderful people at Crescent Moon Press, especially the fabulous Steph Murray and Marlene Castricato, for giving me this opportunity, and my brilliant editor, Sheldon Reid, for making me look good.

To Purgatory and the wonderful writers who have taught me so much, especially Lisa Brackman, Alice Loweecey, Rick Campbell, Kim Taylor, R. M. Clark, Jan O'Hara, Danielle DeVor, LynDee Walker, Kell Andrews, Jennifer Nelson, Jennifer Walkup and Shelagh Hodson.

A special thank you to my patient beta readers, Cheryl Rodgers and Joey Arone.

And my gratitude to my friends and beta readers Dr. Kim Farrell and Sharda Garrett for reading the early drafts, believing in my story and for keeping me grounded and almost sane.

To Leslie Cholowsky, for her sharp eye, knowledge and advice.

And to all the OTGers, especially Wounds and the 7-10 Split gang, who were there for me and listened patiently while I rambled. The best raid group ever. Even when we die.

To Carla Clifton for her friendship, unwavering support and a platform to stretch my writing wings.

My deepest gratitude to Tim Powers, who was the first to encourage me in my writing endeavors and whose advice and wisdom have
been so helpful and meant so much over the years.

And to my family and extended family who have cheered me on: my brother, Shawn Wilson, Shawn Woodrich, Todd Meyers and Andrew Dolle. Love you all.

After a successful career being other people, and later teaching others the many tricks of that trade, Maer Wilson has decided to be herself for a while. Turns out she's a writer. She's always loved stories, especially fantasy, mystery and sci-fi. She was born in the year of the dragon and adores anything to do with them. She even has a dragon-themed room in her home, but sadly no dragons in the back yard. When she's not writing, Maer plays online video games (MMOs), teaches college and reads. She lives in the high desert of Southern Nevada with her two dogs, a chihuahua and a poodle.
Relics
is her first novel. Feel free to stop by and leave a comment on her website at www.maerwilson.com.