Man of My Dreams(88)
“I can’t, babe. I have work to do today. There’s a deadline on that article for the magazine and I want to get in another chapter for the book…the voices are talking to me again.” My smile grows wide and bright. So many things make me happy these days: my husband, my kids, my writing. But feeling like I have a purpose in life, a calling other than to just raise my kids, makes this ordinary life seem like a dream come true.
“Oh yeah, listen to that.” He presses his ear to the side of my head. “I hear them too. They’re saying you have time for a quickie.”
To the best friend a girl could ask for. Tara, you were the very first person I told about my adventure into the writing world. Since day one, and even before, you have been a constant supporter, advisor, and #1 fan! Your enthusiasm as I sent you snippets, chapter by chapter, fueled me to keep on going and for that I am forever in your debt. You are a true one-of-a-kind, like-no-other BFF for life. Thank you for always being there for me throughout all the crazy, amazing, memorable years. I love you like a sister and couldn’t live without you.
To my husband, Jon, and my two beautiful daughters, Julia and Leah. You got the raw end of this bargain—an inattentive wife and Mommy, nights with crappy dinners, days plopped in front of the TV for entertainment, and constant stress-induced mood swings. I’m so sorry! I could not have done this—embarked on this dream of a journey—without all three of you in my corner. Jon, I can’t imagine how my life would have turned out had we not met in the halls of our high school so many years ago. I have not one single regret and I am thankful every day that you have stuck by me, supported me, and loved me through more than half of my life. To my girls, being your Mommy is a blessing. You inspire me, make me laugh and smile, and lots of times you make me shake my head, but the two of you complete me!! I love you “whole sky” and so much more!
To my Mom and my sisters. Together we are four strong, stubborn, loving, caring, wacky women—different in so many ways, but alike in more ways than we truly know. Mom, thank you for making sure we keep as close as we should and for always being our rock. You’re not only my mother, but one hell of a great friend! Vanessa and Paige, thank you for letting me be me—never stop being you. That’s why I love you both so much.
To my in-laws. I hate calling you that because you are as much a part of me as my own parents and siblings. Even before word was out, I could always count on you for support. Thank you for the numerous, impromptu times you picked up the kids and whisked them away to their home away from home so I could enjoy a few moments of “me” time. You are the warmest, kindest, most generous and loving family and I thank my lucky stars every day that you welcomed me in to it.
To my friends who were dragged into this early on. Tara, Trish, Marianne, Celeste, Jessica, Christine, and Erica—you were my guinea pigs! And your encouraging words and suggestions through ping-ponging texts and emails were so important to me. Thank you for believing in me and for helping me get over my fear of putting my writing out there.
To my critique partners who I consider invaluable, lifelong friends now; Ruthie Henrick, Carol Opalinski, and Virginia Pierce. It’s hard to put into words what you mean to me. It started out as pure gratitude for polishing my work and pointing out the “no-nos.” It turned into so much more. The three of you are so gifted; your talent completely unique and inspiring. I look forward to your emails and texts because our relationships have grown and blossomed into something far beyond critiquing. Thank you for pushing me and always being there for me, even when I was whining or complaining or being a kvetch.
To the authors who took the time out of their busy, successful lives to email, tweet, chat or respond to a newbie. Jennifer Probst, Jasinda Wilder, E.L. Montes, and Gail McHugh, thank you for all the unending advice. To Gail McHugh, especially, who practically took me under her wing and showed me the ropes of the indie author world. You totally rock…hard! Not only are you someone I aspire to be like because of your beautiful talent, but your humbleness astounds me. I sincerely appreciate every email, Facebook message, phone call, shout out, and simple “like” of a comment—you never leave me hanging and always have this way of making me feel like I can do this!
To the bloggers, Facebook groups, and readers who took a chance on an unknown newbie and pimped my page, shared my links, read my teasers and just existed in a cyberworld that started off so lonely. A special thanks to Lisa Maurer of True Story Book Blog, Amy McAvoy of Schmexy Girl Book Blog, Heather Carver of Morning After a Good Book, the three amazing sisters at Love Between the Sheets, the supportive, wonderful friends I’ve made on the Book Babes group, my Gotta Have Faith street team, and Stuart West for being one cool dude.