Acknowledgements
I’m sitting at my keyboard, and my first thoughts are, Holy crap! I wrote a book! It’s a rush to realize that after months of writing there’s something real that I can point to, but I didn’t do it alone.
First, I want to thank Adam Rumage, my best friend and love of my life, because without him this book truly would never have been written. In his typical, understated fashion, when I told him I wanted to quit my job so I could write a book, he looked at me and simply said, “Okay.” You’ve always been a champion for me to follow my dreams, and the unwavering support to make those dreams a reality. I’m forever grateful that I get to walk this path of life with you by my side. And sorry, dear readers, he doesn’t have a brother, and I haven’t figured out how to clone him.
I want to thank my dad, Charles Wills, for being my very first cheerleader. As long as I can remember, you’ve always told me to go for my dreams, no matter what they may be. I’ve been so lucky to have a parent who truly loves unconditionally, and has never been shy to tell me how proud he is that I’m his daughter. I love you, Daddy.
It really does take a team to make a book a reality, so next I want to thank those that offered up their time, their support, and their love to make Bound Spirit a success.
To my content editor, Courtney Pinelli, it’s hard to encapsulate all the feelings and overwhelming gratitude I have for you. The fates truly smiled on me the day you decided I was cool enough to want to friend on Facebook. I feel this book is as much yours as it is mine, because without your hard work, your enthusiasm, your patience, and your steely determination, Bound Spirit wouldn’t be the beautiful, funny, and vivid tale that it is. The list is vast for all that you’ve given to make this book real, and thank you seems so small, but it’s what I have-- so thank you. And as always, I <3 your face.
To my alpha team, Elizabeth Monge and Ronika Williams, you two are truly a gift. Your love for Callie and her boys is overwhelming. Thank you for your honesty. Thank you for your time. Thank you for your encouragement and support. You’re both too humble to realize all that you’ve given me, but it’s only with your help that I felt bold enough to write Callie’s story. Thank you for putting up with my unique brand of crazy.
To my copy editor, Susan Bishop, thank the heavens you fell in love with Bound Spirit. You’re amazing at what you do and have the busy schedule to prove it. So thank you so much for your time, your support, and your willingness to take on this first time author. I hope editing Bound Spirit didn’t make you want to rip all your hair out.
To my personal senpai, B.L. Brunnemer, thank you for taking this newbie author under your wing. Publishing as an Indie author is a daunting task, and I’m eternally grateful for your wisdom, your support, and your sage advice. From the first moment we met at RT, you’ve treated me as an equal and a friend, which knowing you-- you think is no big deal, but trust me, it is. I’ve never been more pleased to be called a bitch, than when you read to the end of Bound Spirit and demanded more.
I want to thank all my betas for taking the time to read Bound Spirit and give me your honest thoughts. Your overwhelming enthusiasm for the book definitely did a lot to put this anxious author at ease. Know that I read each one of your emails and took your words to heart.
Thank you to all of my friends and loved ones. I’m grateful for your patience when I disappeared into my writer hole, your genuine excitement for this book, and the respect you gave for my work. Too often I hear stories of authors who are mocked for trying to undertake such a task, and I’m lucky to say not once was that me.
And last, but certainly not least, thank you, dear reader. As is often said, this book was a labor of love, and I’m grateful that you found it worthy of your time. There are countless books out in the world, so knowing you took the time to read mine is unbelievably special. I hope you enjoyed your time in Callie’s world, and I hope to see you again in the next installment.
Now it’s time for me to go track down a tissue, because it appears I have dust in my eyes-- or an onion is being cut nearby. Either way, shit is getting blurry up in here.
With love,
H.A. Wills