Every author is indebted to a large number of people for helping them in the writing process. I am no exception to this rule. Indeed, because of the nature of my work, I suspect I may be even more indebted than some authors. I not only have people who helped me with the writing process to thank, but also those who played part in my life and the wisdom I gained through sharing my experiences with them. Because of this, I think that these acknowledgements are essential.
First, I would like to thank my first boyfriend for allowing me to share my attempts at fiction at him back then. He was the first person who truly encouraged me in my writing, and encouraged me to share it with the world. I would have never found the courage to share a work of this nature with the world had it not been for the role he played in my life.
I want to thank those friends from college who have stuck by my side all these years. Our friendships have been strained at times, and I don't deny that I contributed more than my fair share to the difficult times we faced together. I appreciate that you each found the grace to forgive me and work things out. I can only hope that what I choose to say about you truly reflects what great people you are, despite the hard times we've shared.
I also want to thank Panda, a sweet and wonderful older sister figure that I don't talk to nearly enough any more. You stood by my side during some rough times. You listened to my woes, comforted me, and encouraged me to find my inner strength.
I also want to thank Michele and Belinda. You've been nothing but encouraging since I shared the idea for this project with you. You've been able to see the value in it and share in my dream, sometimes seeing it even more clearly than I could. Your friendship has helped me to stay the course.
I also want to thank the community of friends I have developed on two online sites, Bloop Diary and Writers on the Loose. The people in both of these communities have supported me and encouraged me as I developed my skills as a writer and discovered my voice.
Finally, I want to thank my parents, who have loved me my entire life. I know things haven't always been easy, and things certainly didn't turn out like you expected. But you've loved me through all of it. I'm not sure how I would've managed all these years without your love, and I'm glad I'll never truly know.