The Counting-Downers (39 page)

Ms. B, for teaching me that history matters, and the importance of moving on so that someone else can make their memories. Teresa P for speaking to my soul, and Jennifer RL for being not just a mentor, but a friend. Thank you for not letting me give up.

To all those I’ve loved and lost. If everything happens for a reason, then maybe you all left this earth so I could know grief sufficiently enough to write this book and hopefully comfort others. I love and miss you all more than words can express.

They say that writing is a solitary process, and it is, especially if you’re an unknown indie author who hasn’t told anyone in their everyday life about their secret world. But if that’s true, then publishing is a different story. It has taken a village to put this book together, and I’m so grateful to be part of this incredible community of writers, readers, bloggers, and professionals.

The wonderful Clarise Tan at CT Cover Creations. Thank you for an absolutely stunning cover that has given my debut novel the very best chance of standing out from the very crowded crowd. Working with you was a dream and you created magic.

The lovely Julie at JT Formatting for taking care of the technical things and whipping this book into readable shape.

Atalia and Rose at FMR Book Studio, and Nazarea at InkSlinger for helping to get my name out there. Becky at Hot Tree Editing and Donna at HT Promotions for all of your help and support.

My amazing editor, Peggy Frese. Thank you so much. As the first person to ever read this book aside from me, your encouraging words, hilarious comments, and constructive advice helped me more than you will ever know. Thank you for weeding out my Britishisms. Sorry (not sorry) for the ugly cries.

Likewise for my beta readers; Andrea, Kristina, Shannon, and Barbara. Especially Shannon, who demanded more of Mr. Isaacs. I agree there’s no such thing as too much Tristan.

The incredible bloggers and readers I’ve already met as I type this. I’ve been overwhelmed by your kindness and support for a complete unknown. I am so grateful for your enthusiasm and tireless hard work, fuelled by nothing more than a love of reading. I’m terrified of forgetting someone but I hope you know who you are. Extra, über-special thanks go to Michelle, Cynthia, Anna, Tiffany, and Steph, for pimping me out to anyone who’ll listen before you’d even read the book.

And to Sapphire Knight for being a class act and reaching back to help a fellow author.

I am every book I’ve ever read, every song I’ve ever heard, and every conversation I’ve ever had. To all of the authors, musicians, actors, friends, family, and acquaintances who have inspired me or left their mark on me, for better or worse, this book could not have been written without you. There are far too many to list or remember, but know that this book is part of your legacy.

And
finally
to you, my dear reader, for taking a chance on an unknown author in the hopes of escaping reality, if only for a little while. I hope you found something within these pages that spoke to, and will stay with you long after you finish reading. Writing a book was on my legacy list, so if you want to pass it on, tell a friend, blog about it, or leave a review, it would be even more appreciated than you already are. No pressure, though. If this book has had its intended effect, you’ll be too busy living…

Okay, now you can cut me off. Cue music.