Acknowledgements
I remember when I was young, listening to my father pick out the chords of “The Man I Love” on the grand piano in our living room. It seems some stories are meant to be written.
I declared my intention to turn this universe of characters into a book in November of 2013. Since that time, so many people have given me their unrelenting support and encouragement. To them I owe my unending thanks and all my love. With you as my friends, anything and everything is possible.
Paul Preston came back to reveal the story, tell me about Meisner technique and show me there’s more to a scene than doing what’s required. When the emotion is there and the emotion is authentic, the genuine scene ultimately follows. It works onstage. It works on the page. It works in life. You must live the truth of who you are and what you feel.
If this book is my baby, then Ami Harju is my doula. She read the earliest incarnation, separated the few chapters from Erik’s point of view and told me, “This.” She went on to read every version of The Man I Love, providing sound advice and valuable feedback. We were born to be friends. And I love us.
Stacie Fuss has always been with me, even when we were out of touch. She also read early drafts cover to cover and was a tireless sounding board. Always ready with coffee or baked Alaska. Thank you, sugar.
Jen McPartlin and Julia Bobkoff: my friends since childhood, both creative, visionary and inspiring, and two of the bravest women I know.
Dr. Dan Gingold always informed me about the weather in Los Angeles as he patiently and thoroughly answered every medical question. Likewise Detective Anthony Spennecchia was more than generous with his expertise. Thank you, gentlemen.
Rebecca T. Dickson, editor extraordinaire, was tough, impossible, relentless, demanding, pushy and profane. I thought it would kill me. You only made me stronger. There aren’t (oops) sufficient words of thanks. Only four-letter ones.
I thank Desiree Wolfe for her wonderful guidance. And Tracy Kopsachilis for a beautiful cover design.
Ellen Harger is a brilliant writer and my one-woman support group. A dear friend. A needed friend. Best of all: a new friend.
My advance read army: Krista, Francesca, Donna, Kathy, Melissa, Mike, the other Mike, Julie, Mary, Patti, Francie—you are my betas, my behind-the-scenes crew. Without your show, there is no show. (And now I owe you all a dollar.)
I am grateful to my dance teachers and dance partners, past and present. I even thank the wolves. For not all of them come to kill you in the night. Some of them come to inspire.
My brother, Steve, whose plans go to Q, minimum, and who can take anything apart and put it together. My father, Bernie, who gave me a love of words and taught me to curse in six languages. My mother, Carol, who gave me the gift of dance and is my wisest, kindest friend and advocate.
My daughter Julie and my son AJ had to endure late dinners, missed ball games, distractions, outright neglect at times, and the constant sight of the back of my head and shoulders at the computer. And still they cheered me on, knowing what it meant to me. It is a privilege to be your mother.
And JP. The man I love. My soul mate. My partner on the path. My truth. We married in the shadow of Cathedral Rock. And I want no heart but yours to sleep under my hand.
I’d love to hear from you…
I truly hope you enjoyed The Man I Love. Please consider leaving a review by going to http://amzn.to/1rfDQIZ because I’m interested to know what you thought and felt while you were reading it. It doesn’t have to be a thing. Just breathe yourself onto the paper…
You could also use Kindle’s built in “Before You Go” feature which will be on the last page of this e-book. Either way, I’d be forever grateful.
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to send me an email at [email protected].