Sweetness in the Dark (54 page)

But either a manmade or natural EMP is a very real possibility. Meanwhile, the “2004 Report of the Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack” continues to languish in Washington D.C.

With the 90% fatality rate stated by the commission’s report, America’s basic survival is threatened. The very real chance of 300 million fellow dead Americans certainly motivated me which is why I decided to present a story where individual states took steps to prepare. Writing a novel using the current state of preparation was too depressing to consider.

I want the reader to understand the risk to our way of life is very real. An individual’s preparation may be a start, but the real answer is a responsive government, even if it’s at a local or state level.

It would appear that politics at the Federal level has ceased to consider the country’s survival an important election topic. Maybe that will change.

First I would thank both Jeanne Crownover and Timothy Johns, my tireless editors. Though they works hard that my writing is presentable, place no blame on them for the final product. That all rests with me.

My proof readers offer valuable feedback at different phases as my draft is put together. Dick Martin, Marsha Wiles, Larry Stoddard, Tiffany Martin, Barbara Foster, John Briggs and Rod Gravelly have all kept me from straying too far off on tangents.

Charlie Cremeans was instrumental at the beginning of my writing in offering words of advice, support and encouragement.

John Ewing was an early supporter who didn’t get to see the final product. His wife Bertha Ewing was invaluable as a listener as I read out loud to her on one of my many edit jobs.

Finding Morwenna Rakestraw to do the cover layout was a relief.

Mitch Press of World Book has offered his wisdom from his family’s years in the book business. While not all encouraging, his guidance as publishing transforms in the digital age has been invaluable.

Lastly, my wife, deserves recognition for tolerating my swerve into being an author.