When I first started writing this series, it wasn’t a series. I had an idea for Rhys and from there, the stories grew. By the time I was midway through writing Rhys, I knew Brant had something to say. Did I know it would end up this twisty? No. When writing Averill, I still didn’t know who had held the letters or why, until the words flew from my fingertips, surprising even myself.

Back in August of 2017, I stayed with a fellow author friend, and I spilled my guts on my ideas for Brant. She looked at me and said, “Dude, your character made a crossroads deal with Crowley!” Unknowingly, I had woven a subplot of Supernatural into my storyline. Martinelli became my Crowley.

Then, in October of 2017, I received some upsetting health news. My spine (which is horrible) was in need of at least four surgeries to correct my current issues. I also learned I’ve never had carpal tunnel but instead suffer from a bone spur in my neck that causes carpal tunnel-like symptoms in my left hand and fingers. Yay. (Not.) My surgeon—who, newsflash, actually listens, something that took me nearly a decade to find—asked which surgery I’d like to start with. Of course, I picked the hardest one first. It’s a 12+ hour surgery. I’m terrified. As I write this, my scheduled surgery date is January 5^th, 2018.

But…these circumstances kicked my ass into gear author-wise. Brant had been sitting on my laptop with maybe 5k written. I booked a date with my editor for the end of November and knew I had to stick with it. I wanted this novel written before surgery. All I’d have to do after was market it and release it. Easy peasy, right? Wrong.

Another story hit me out of the blue, one that started to consume me. So, to get the characters to shut up, I booked another editing date, vowing to finish two novels before surgery, and I’m well on my way, with only one slight problem. The other story? I, uh, accidentally deleted it. I know, I know, I’m horrible! I even had three copies saved. Boom, all gone. I saved Brant in its place instead.

The positive thing about it is that I generally know what was written and I’m positive I can rewrite it even better this time.

I don’t know when my second surgery will be scheduled, but I do know I’ll have at least two releases, this one and one more, before the end of May 2018.

No matter what my spine throws at me, I have plenty of stories to tell. <3

Always first, my parents. It’s as simple as me not being here without them. They’ve always encouraged me to follow my dreams, whether it be singing, being an author, or meeting my idols. If I dream it, they help me achieve it.

Heather, thank you for opening your home up to me to recover after surgery. The less steps, the better. Thank you for being a wonderful sister and friend.

Anthology authors, you ladies have put up with my crazy while I was writing Brant. I love you bunches and bunches. Since working with y’all on this charity anthology, I can’t wait to do it all over again. Hilaria Alexander, Alexandria Bishop, Megan Green, Zeia Jameson, Jennifer Rebecca, and Rachel Renee, I love y’all. Period. Now who wants to give it a go again next year? LOL

Stephanie, you’re the peanut butter to my jelly. Never forget that. I love you.

Betas, y’all ROCK! You group of ladies give me the courage I need to keep writing these characters. I’m sad to be letting this group of fowl-mouthed coffee addicts go. Mel, if it wasn’t for you a certain sexy-time scene never would’ve made it in. You made me push boundaries writing that scene. #MaybeSomeday I’ll write a story for Justin, or #MaybeNot, but whatever I do, I know you ladies will be up for reading each draft.

Melissa, the uh, cherry scene, never would’ve happened the way it’s written without you. I planned just a kiss. You suggested to use them in other ways. Thanks, yo.

Dawn R, you know the manuscript I begged you for in the end of Averill? I’m begging for you to send it to me again. DAWN, QUIT SITTING ON YOUR BOOK, and you know, send it to me please. <3

Dawn B, I love you. You know this. You’ve helped me turn DBDL into a fun place to chat with a few like-minded readers. It’s my safe haven. Thank you.

Colleen Hoover, I don’t care if you ever see these. I’m still going to write them. Some of them are shit, some are kind. This one’s a mixed bag. Why? Because I’m pissed off I couldn’t come visit with you on the Without Merit tour. My stupid spine kept me in stupid Michigan. Ugh. It was the worst. Then when T. Esties (yep, Testies, I HAD to go there) handed you my books to be signed, she forgot to have them personalized. Gah, she had ONE JOB, HOOVER! Anyway…I can’t wait to see you in July and give you a stupid awkward hug and crap, and maybe we can give Testies shit together for her mishap. (Nah, she’s good people, I loves her.)

Bloggers and readers, I couldn’t do this without you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for loving my characters as much as I do, and for taking a chance on a gal like me.

DB’s Destination Lovers. LOVERS! You make every day fun for me. It’s my own little safe haven where I can be the weird girl I am, the one who loves dying her hair vibrant colors, is obsessed with makeup, hoards books, believes music can heal all things, and drinks coffee like it’s water. You make me feel like I’m normal. Thank you for letting me be me, while you be you.