ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Ac-knowl-edg-ment
noun
plural noun: acknowledgements
1: acceptance of the truth or existence of something
“there was no acknowledgement of the family’s trauma”
synonyms: acceptance, recognition, admission, concession, confession
2: the action of expressing gratitude or appreciation for something
“he received an award in acknowledgement of his work”
synonyms: thanks, gratitude, appreciation, recognition
There are some books that flow freely as they come to life. In those instances, I can sit in front of the computer with a broad grin, fingers flying across the keys as I try to keep up with the characters and their actions, dialogue, and plot twists. Those books are a joy to write, fulfilling in every way because when a story comes that easily there’s a serene sense of assurance that it wants to be told.
This is not one of those books.
Fury’s story came in fits and starts. I’ve never had as many separate files for a story before. My folder was filled with files! This chapter had a document, and that chapter had a document, and so on, but for the longest time I wasn’t even certain in what order they should be placed. It started when I cut a whole section from the manuscript for Duck, back when Fury was talking loud and proud, and he shouldn’t have been. I told him at the time, “Not your book, dude. Chill.” So, he chilled.
He chilled to the point I wasn’t certain he would even have a book. Frightening, but so what, I didn’t have a cover yet, and while folks wanted to hear from him, I couldn’t force him to talk, could I? Everything felt choppy, and forced, and I decided if I couldn’t have the woo, I wouldn’t do the story.
Meanwhile, I had things going on in my life, too. A surprise book or two, and baby those flowed. They had that effortless quality which always underscores my resolve to keep at this writer gig. In total, I wrote four stories while Fury chilled, quiet and silent as the grave.
Thankfully, it turned out he was just waiting his turn. Or should I say he was waiting on Bethany’s turn. Up to that point she’d been quiet. Oh, I could pull sentences from her, but not a lot more than that. Once she caught her stride though? Look out. She was gone, man. Me and Fury? We were playing catch-up for weeks. In the end, however, I think we have a balanced book where the main character, the hero if you will, is strong and firm in his beliefs, with a voice unlike any other Rebel. The main female lead is likewise strong, and has become one of my favorite chicks in the books. Growing up as she did, while carrying secrets as she does, and still she managed to seriously kick ass and take names. I like their story, and I hope you will, too.
So, the first thank yous go to Fury and Bethany, for not letting me give up on their story. They just needed time to find their stride and get in sync, and I needed to follow their lead.
Now on to the other acknowledgements, where I express gratitude and admit that while this writing is first conducted in solitude, it’s not really a solo gig at all. Not by a long shot. I lean on a lot of folks for every story.
To my lovely editor, Becky Johnson, founder and CEO of Hot Tree Editing, and her team of professionals – thank you. You always make me appear so much more put together than I really am, and I truly enjoy how well we work together. (Should that be “how we work well together”? Grr. Now I needa ask Becky.)
Sara Eirew, photographer, and Gabe LaDuke, model – the image on the cover is phenomenal, and I’m proud to have your artistry adorn my story. Debera Kuntz, as ever, your interpretation of what I saw in my head is spot on. Thank you all.
For the gals who encourage me and listen to my whining when the words don’t flow, who nip my woe-is-me in the bud and force me to look at the why so I can fix it – thank you. MirandaPanda, Jamey, Kay, Kori, and Megan – your voices echo in my head in a good way. My alpha team for this story was small, but fierce. Kori (yup, same one, I’m doubly blessed here) who read the story twice, Kelsi, and Megan – your feedback was valuable, and needed. Thank y’all smuchly!
To my cadre of folks in the life who gave insight on so many aspects of Fury and the various organizations he wandered through, thank you. It doesn’t matter where I go, you know I take you with me. Even Tinker—much as it pains me to admit—I should confess I enjoy our interactions more now. Maybe you’re mellowing as you age? Whatever it is, keep it up old man. Thanks for helping me see things through.
Woofully yours,
~ML