The Devil Is a Lie

I
cannot believe I’m doing this again. Not only because I can’t believe I’ve written eighteen books in eight years, but because I swore I was done writing acknowledgments. I’d even gone as far as turning my manuscript in without them, but when the time came to send in my final corrections, I just couldn’t send my book back without acknowledging the people who help me do what I do. But just to be clear, this isn’t an acknowledgment page, so if your name isn’t here, don’t feel slighted. This is just a note from the author, to thank a few people, say a few things, and let you know how eternally grateful I am to be living my dream.

And I
am
living my dream.

I’m making up stories for a living. (See, Ma, you always called it
lying and didn’t buy my “active imagination” argument, but it paid off.) And these stories ARE MADE UP. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. I don’t care if something in one of my books sounds just like something that so-and-so did. Any resemblances to actual characters or situations are purely coincidental. And if you shared something with me and you now see it in my book, that’s just a coincidence as well. Besides, if you don’t tell anyone it’s you, I won’t, either. But I digress. The great thing about what I do is that my stories, while fictional, mirror the lives of so many people. I can’t tell you the number of people who say they’ve learned to forgive, to love, to heal, to be open and honest, who’ve renewed their relationship with God, who gave their marriage a second chance, etc., etc.—all because they were moved by something in one of my books.

That’s some powerful stuff and it makes everything I do worthwhile.

But I wouldn’t be able to do what I do were it not for some very important people who make my writing career possible. Of course, first and foremost, thank you, God, for blessing me with a talent to write.

Much thanks to the man who has been there from the very beginning, who nurtured and encouraged my dream when it was still a concept, Dr. Miron Billingsley. Thank you to my three lovely children, who bear with me when I’m writing and traveling.

And to my absolutely incredible support system, there are not enough words to show my gratitude for helping my writing career flourish by making my personal life flow as smoothly as possible. My mother, Nancy Blacknell, I am what I am because of you. My sister Tanisha Tate, who does whatever I need, whenever I need it,
without complaint. (Okay, I take that back, you do complain, but you still do it, so thanks!) Fay Square, you have no idea the blessing you have been in my life. I thank God for you!

As always, many, many thanks to my agent, Sara Camilli; my editor, Brigitte Smith; Melissa Gramstad; Louise Burke; the awesome people who design my covers (I’ve never met you but you are the best!); and everyone else at Pocket Books. I’ve been so lucky to have found a publishing home I’ve loved from the beginning. Thanks for all your hard work! To John Paine, thank you for a fabulous job!

Thank you also to my extended support system: LaWonda Young, Jaimi Canady, Raquelle Lewis, Kim Wright, and Clemelia Richardson. You know that core group of people you should always keep in your life, the ones that will be there whether you’re up or down, hot or not? You guys are my core. Thank you for always having my back.

To Pat Tucker Wilson, my sister in spirit, who has been an unbelievable support in my television and literary career: Thank you for always being there. I’ll say it again, keep your head up. Your blessings are coming.

To Carmen Green, thank you. That’s all I can say. A hundred times, thank you.

Lots of love to my literary colleagues who always offer words of advice, encouragement, and just are trying to run this race with me…Nina Foxx, Victoria Christopher Murray, Jihad, Tiffany Warren, Lori Bryant Woolridge, Mikoseneja, Zane, Trisha Thomas, and Dee Stewart. (If anyone needs a good publicist, Dee is off the chain!)

Once again, I have to say thanks to Holly Davis Carter, Jeff Clanagan, Regina King, and Crystal Garrett. Thank you soooooo much for making my movie dreams come true!

I must also show love to Sonny Messiah Jiles, Cale Carter, Candace K, Pam Walker, Marina with the Good Girl Book Club online, Curtis Bunn, Sigrid Williams, and Gwen Richardson at Cush City.

I almost hate to start naming book clubs, but I just cannot end without saying a huge thank-you to all the book clubs that selected my latest book. You guys are the best. This go-round I have to give a special thanks to: Pages Between Sistahs, Go On Girl, Cush City, Black Women Who Read, The Sistah Circle, Circle of Friends, Cover 2 Cover, Nubian Pageturners, Black Pearls, Southern Kreationz, Women of Character, Ladies of Literacy, Sistah Time, and The Mo’nique Book Club.

As always, much love goes to my wonderful, illustrious sorors, especially the Houston Metropolitan Chapters.

And finally, thank you. Yeah, you holding this book. If it weren’t for your support, I wouldn’t be where I am today. If you’re a new reader, thanks for checking me out. I hope you’ll get hooked. If you’re a previous reader, thanks for coming back. If you enjoy this story I just ask one more thing…pass the word, not the book!

I know, I said I wasn’t going to get caught up doing acknowledgments again, but when you have such wonderful people in your life that’s a promise that’s just hard to keep.

Until the next book…. Thanks for the love.

ReShonda