|
. . . a contemporary romance novel
|
|
|
Being a lover of poetry, one of my very favorite poems is "How do I Love Thee," by Elizabeth Barrett Browning. With apologies to the late Ms. Browning, I would like to paraphrase her poignant creation slightly and extend some well-deserved acknowledgments to some of the wonderful people who made my dream possible. How do I Thank Thee?
To my dear mother, still very much alive and well at the ripe age of ninety-five: I thank thee Mom in my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith for all the nights you read to me putting your heart and soul into each story, often reading well into the night because I was so captivated by the plot I couldn’t wait until the next evening to see how it turned out. You harvested my love for books and to this day, I read at least two every week.
To my father: I thank thee to the breadth and depth and height for encouraging me to write. Though you are no longer here in this world, I’ve often felt your spirit pressing me to write on, especially during the times I almost gave up because I worried it wasn’t good enough for your standards. But now, with your blessing, I’m confident that it is. Thanks, Daddy.
To my husband, Walt: I thank thee to the level of every day’s most quiet need, by sun and candlelight. Thanks honey for your patience when dinner was late, the laundry wasn’t done and especially for all the times I hogged the computer as I wrote, rewrote, edited . . . then started all over again.
A special tribute to my dear friend, JoAnne Henderson, who passed away very suddenly on September 11, 2002, exactly one year following our nation’s terrible tragedy: I thank thee for your beautiful soul reaching out of sight for the ends of Being and ideal Grace. You were always so certain “Castles” would be a best seller. Sadly, kiddo, you weren’t able to see the finished product, but I can still feel your sunny, optimistic spirit cheering me on. In return for your love, encouragement and especially your parting gift of the mockingbird’s sweet song ~only you would know what I mean~I dedicate my novel to you.
Last but certainly not least, I thank with smiles, tears, of all my life! Jeanne Howard, my faithful “Writing Buddy,” and talented author of the unforgettable love story, Seasons of Forgetting followed by her poignant sequel, Jared’s Promise. Jeanne was a godsend at a time I was at my lowest ebb, praying to God to send a writing pal; someone who would understand what we writers go through . . . someone to share my frustrations . . . someone to encourage me not to give up. Thanks, Jeanne, and wishing you every success in your writing career. You deserve the very best!
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
