Writing a book involves so many more people than just the author. While I supplied the passion for New World: Rising, so many others helped bring my dream to fruition. I realize that some will never read these pages—heaven knows I have skipped my fair share of acknowledgments—but for those who do, I want them to know how thankful I am for everyone who contributed to my first novel.
First and foremost, thanks to you, my readers. Without your interest, my book would just be sitting on a hard drive collecting digital dust. No matter how much I advertise or beg bookstores to sell my book, it is your word of mouth that drives others to read Phoenix’s story. And for that I am eternally grateful. I gave Phoenix life but you have kept her alive. I ask one more favor of you, my readers. While passion consumes me to write, I am still human and thus make mistakes. If you find errors in my book, please contact me so I can correct them.
To my confidants, editors and beta-readers: Diane Schultz, Auston Wilson, Cameron Walker, Kimberly Karli, Cerri Norris, Annette Meyerkord and Rachel Bensky. Without your keen eyes, challenging questions and encouragement I never could have developed this story into what it is today. It is an honor to have all of you in my life and to have been able to share the inner workings of my mind with you. Thank you for your invaluable advice, kind words and honesty. I could not have done this without you.
To the incredible team over at Oftomes Publishing, I am so honored to be part of the Oftomes family. Ben you are amazing, talented, and inspiring. Thank you for taking a chance on Phoenix and me. Kim, thank you for creating such a beautiful cover that brought the world on the inside to life, your skills are astounding. Nadege, thank you for making the pages of my book so much more than words, your designs were perfect.
To my husband for his never-ending patience and encouragement. You are my best friend, my muse, my rock. The best day of my life was the day you walked into it. With you by my side, my dreams have become a reality and I want nothing more than to share them with you. You have spent many nights letting me be antisocial so I could write, listened to me cry over rejection letters, reminded me to sleep when I needed to stop obsessing and rest, and finally got me to stop saying “I can’t.” You never cease to amaze and inspire me. I love you.
Lastly, but certainly never least, thank you to my family. Sara, you have not only been my sister but a best friend. You helped bring so many great books into my life that have inspired me. Without your encouragement to read, I could never have found the inspiration to write my own book. Mom and Dad, you raised me to be a strong, confident woman. You taught me to be patient, to be kind, to respect others, and most of all to believe in myself. Everything I am today is because of you. While most people fear becoming their parents when they get older, I would consider it an honor.
FIRE. ASHES. REBIRTH.
Fire. Ashes. Rebirth.
This excruciating process happened over and over again until I pleaded for death to come. To make it stop. But it doesn't.
Fire. Ashes. Rebirth.
And each time… I'm a little less of the person I was before.