I waddle out to the kitchen, where Max has pancakes prepared for me. “Mancakes,” I say as I start to eat them.
“Yep, I know how much you love them. But, tell me about this book.” He leans up against the kitchen counter and picks his mug up to drink.
I finish chewing what’s in my mouth. “Well, I think I have a title.”
“Yeah? What is it?”
“I’m going to call it…Ugly.”
Australia: Reachout – national service. 1800 Respect
U.K: National domestic violence hotline. 0808 2000 247
USA: National domestic violence hotline. 1800 799 SAFE (7233)
Domestic violence affects people we may know who are too ashamed or frightened to speak up.
When you look at the person next to you on the bus, or the train, or even at school or work, ask them if they’re okay. A kind word may be all they need to get through the day or even make the courageous decision to seek help.
Lily’s story completely consumed me. She came to me one night while I was lying in bed. A vision of a blonde-haired teenager popped into my mind. She was huddled in the bath, with her arms wrapped around her boney knees and she was crying. She looked up from the blood-soaked water and she whispered two words to me. “Help me.” From that day on, more and more of her came to me. It took her months to tell me her entire story, but when she finally gave me her soul, I knew I had to write her story for every person, female or male, who’s suffered or is suffering at the hands of an abuser.
Lily, for your heart, I hope I did your story justice.
I must thank some incredible people who’ve been my sounding board for Lily’s story.
To my very good friend Jodi. You were the person I’d call when I wrote a scene I loved, or hated. And you helped me form some of the characters to be as evil as they are.
To Karen, I asked you on the fly to read the story for plot holes and flow. You told me how much you loved it. I’ve included most (insert LOL) of your suggestions, and the story is stronger for it.
To my darling, Cheryl. You praise my talents often, and I thank you for the beautiful confidence you have in me.
To my sweetness, Mandy. You are such a terrific person, who makes me laugh. Thank you for your help.
To Kellie from Book Cover by Design. Amazing. I told you what I wanted, and you got it straight away. You have an amazing talent, my friend…amazing!
To my very good friend, Melinda. Your proofreading skills are exceptional. I gave you my Lily, and you’ve treated her with the utmost respect.
To Editing Vixen. Your work is always outstanding. Thank you for everything. (THAT – hehehe)
To Al. Thank you for your proofreading expertize.
And to my editor, Debi. You’re so much more than an editor, you’re my friend too. You put up with all my ‘Americanizing’ questions, and you always treat my books with so much integrity and respect.
And to all my readers. Thank you for buying my books. I do hope Lily has been able to give you a voice. Because if she can overcome her past, you can open your heart to your future.
Bound by custom or unique by choice.
Margaret X