My Acknowledgements for 2014

So here I am the evening after Thanksgiving. I’ve eaten more than I can possibly hold, and my fridge is stuffed to the brim with leftovers to last until 2015. My girls are lounging in front of the TV watching the latest Barbie flick, and my hubby is napping on the couch. We are more than blessed–we are spoiled. We have more than we could possibly want or need. As I sit here in my sweats (or as Joey Tribiani would say, my “Thanksgivin’ pants”) and think about all the things I’m thankful for, I am just stunned. Stunned at how I’ve been given the life I always dreamed of. Stunned at the love of my friends and family. Stunned at how I all too often take everything for granted.

Writers are constantly making lists of acknowledgements.

It was something I thought of long before BLEMISHED was even finished. It’s an ever growing list. I’m thoroughly convinced that by the time BLEMISHED gets published (if it gets published) my acknowledgments section will be its own chapter. Maybe even its own novella. So here is my list of writer’s acknowledgements, if you will, for 2014:

To my husband Joe who listens to me ramble on about books he hasn’t read. Who says its more than okay when the dishes aren’t done when he gets home, and who goes to work so I can stay home with my girls and make up stories. Thank you for supporting me in shooting for my dream, and for being my real life hero in so many ways. You are so much cooler than any fictional dude could ever be (yes, even Warner 🙂 I love you.

To my sweet princesses who dance around me as I write and fill my days with tea parties and laughter. I am proud to be your Mama and your teacher.

To my supportive family. My sister Karine who is Team Joshua all the way and constantly bugs me to finish my second book so she can read it. My Aunt Terri and Aunt Cook for always commenting on my Author Page on Facebook and cheering me on. My Dad and Jodi who are reading BLEMISHED (even though it is written for teens), and constantly tell me they’re proud of me. My Mom who always said I’d write a book (I miss you every day). Carolyn and Ingrid, who are more like family than ever and always support and encourage me in my writing. Janalyn who has been such a blessing and encouragement to me. I love you all. So. Much.

To my critique partners, Christen and Neysa (and now Elizabeth too). You girls are just awesome. You build me up, jump up and down with excitement (sometimes at 2 in the morning), and cheer me on. When I want to give up you put me back on my feet (or on my butt in front of the computer). You remind me that I don’t suck and you keep me consistent. You are honest and tough when you need to be. You are there when I want to vent. You talk books with me and are the best critters (and friends) a writer could have. Thank you.

To Nancy Kimball, my mentor. You’re tough. You know it. I know it. I’m so thankful you took a chance on me. I’m proud to call you mentor and friend. You taught me what it means to be Gladiator Strong. Thank you.

To Deirdre Lockhart, editor extraordinaire. You’re also tough. But I’m oh so glad. You brought out a part of me this year I wasn’t even sure existed. Thank you.

To all my awesome readers and followers who are taking time to read this right now. Especially Laura Pol and Gabrial Jones, who have been the most awesome beta readers ever! You are two of my biggest fans. I love getting to know you online and how enthusiastic you are about a book that is so close to my heart. Thank you.

To all the awesome authors who took time to share on the blog this year. It was a joy to feature you. You are such an inspiration to me. Thank you!

To Seekerville and My Book Therapy. Need I even explain? You make this thing called writing a little less frustrating. Thank you!

To anyone who has taken time this year to give me writing advice, encourage me, judge a contest I entered, help me with dreaded things such as synopses and queries, or even just show me around at my first writing conference. There are too many of you to name. You know who you are. Thank you so much for taking time on me. You made a difference in my life this year.

Finally, to my King. You are my Beginning and End. Everything. I write for You–because of You. There are no words. I stand in awe. I love you. Thank you.

If your life was a book, who would YOU include in the acknowledgements section?

I love hearing from you! Until then, happy eating…er, I mean reading!