One year ago from this writing I hadn’t finished a book! What you are holding in your hands is my second book!
The reality is, far from a solitary enterprise, writing a book and bringing it to market takes a village. Heck, it takes a whole freaking town. My husband let me work over the weekends and my mother took over on school runs and dinner making (and laundry folding). And my kids were so patient with me. My critique partners, Al and Dave, kept me from cliché’s and getting too complacent. They also buoyed my spirits when I wasn’t feeling it. My Stormy Nights girls kept me sane and laughing! And thank you to my sweet friends who don’t take offense when I drop off the map for weeks at a time, sometimes months, because I am so consumed.
The terrific font of Jack on the cover was hand-drawn by my sister, Cassy Poulos. Thank you, Cass. I love you! And the cover was designed by Adrian Repasch. Bow to him! Bow to him! Thank you to Angela McLaurin of Fictional Formats who formatted both Eversea and Forever, Jack. She is seriously good at her job!
My editor, Judy Roth (she needs her own paragraph) is so much more than an editor. She has become a friend, and makes me laugh with her little comments in the side bar when I’m about to tear my hair out, and she has unbelievable patience. And we’ve never met in person! I can’t wait to meet her and take her out for a boozy lunch!
My readers … aaaah, my readers. Do you have any idea how much I love you? How much it means to me to get a message at 2 am Australian time (Rommy!) to tell me you couldn’t wait until morning to contact me because you were still so giddy over Jack and Keri Ann! And that was just one! There were hundreds! From all over the world! You guys FLOORED me. I literally didn’t sleep the whole month of June because my heart was pounding so hard and I wanted to respond to each and every one of you. Thank you for that. <- Those words seem so inadequate.
Thank you to my agent, Elaine Spencer, who continues to grow our working relationship! I’m excited!
The bloggers who read and reviewed and raved about Eversea … thank you! Thank you for spreading the word and being so encouraging.
Thank you to the group of readers and friends of “Let’s get Jack-ed!”, who took up the mantle of keeping Eversea and Jack fresh in everyone’s minds. You will probably never understand how much that means to me. I hope I can continue earning your care and enthusiasm. Lisa W., Lisa H. R., Kimmie, Karen, Faith, Shannon, Nasha, Julianne, Bonnie, Denise, Amy, Jess, Nicole D., Nicole B., Drue, Elaine, Rea, Clemmie, Rommy, Heather, Mary-Nancy, Melissa, Caroline, April, Carole, Layla, Dawn, Stephanie, Dawn, Angela, and Tugce Nida. And so many more who have supported me.
If you received a birthday card from Jack Eversea (Friend him!) on Facebook, you can thank Julianne Burke! She is phenomenal!
Thank you Faith Martens (Apocalypso) for creating the turtle necklace I wear almost every day that is also featured on the front of this book! Her store is Hula Tallulah on Etsy if you’d like one.
Please don’t forget to leave a review at your point of sale. It only takes you a few moments, but is absolutely critical for an author! Oh, and please know that a portion of your sale is donated to The Sea Turtle Project and also to Literacy Volunteers of the Lowcountry.
Okay the music is playing, I have to get off stage.