This Thing Called Love (19 page)

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I used to think that writing was done in a vacuum. How wrong I was! There are so many people to thank in helping with the birth of this baby.

Finding Romance Writers of America has plugged me into valuable resources I would never have found otherwise. My sisters at Northeast Ohio RWA and the talented women of the Sunshine critique group—Chris Anna, Mary, Sheri, Vicki, and Wendy—have been a constant source of encouragement and support. My Lucky 13 Golden Heart sisters are there daily to share the ups and downs of being a writer. I love you all.

Thanks to Lori Wilde, who in her novel writing class taught me how to put together a story, starting with how to write a scene. You saw the earliest starts of this story and helped it make sense.

Thanks to my agent, Jill Marsal, who is hardworking and dedicated. You taught me many things about how to write a story that sells. I’m not sure what you saw in that first scary draft, but I’m so glad you did see it!

To Maria Gomez, who was enthusiastic about this book from the beginning and welcomed me to the Montlake family. To Charlotte Herscher, whose editorial insights went deep into the psyches of my characters and greatly enriched the book.

To my husband, who always treats my characters like real people and troubleshoots their dilemmas like he takes on all other problems in life . . . with great gusto and a sense of humor that makes me laugh no matter how impossible the situation.

To my kids, who learned a long time ago to tolerate disarray and even relish it. Your support means everything to me. I wish for you to follow your dreams and never settle for less than true love.

To my mom and dad, who loved me unconditionally and always taught me to do my best. I hope there are Kindles in heaven.

And lastly, thanks to my readers. Especially every woman who has had to make tough decisions about her career and her children. Like my heroine, you are all super women.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Photo © 2013 Scott Meivogel

Miranda Liasson loves to write stories about courageous but flawed characters who find love despite themselves, because there’s nothing like a great love story! In addition to
This Thing Called Love
, which won the 2013 Golden Heart for Series Romance, she writes contemporary category romance for Entangled Publishing. She lives in the Midwest with her husband, three kids, and office mates Maggie, a yellow lab, and Posey, a rescue cat with attitude.