Acknowledgements
I was raised in South Florida, primarily Ft. Lauderdale, and did my best to remember it as it was in the 1970s. I’m not certain I got it right every time, but I tried. I also gave some fictional names to some real places. This particular motorcycle gang—their names, their motel, their rituals, all of it—exists only in my imagination. The idea for Grizz sprang from a very old memory of somebody I briefly knew when I was fifteen.
There are so many people to thank and acknowledge for their help with this novel. It’s impossible for me to list them in order of importance because every person contributed in an important way. Some served as beta readers. Others offered their advice, which I didn’t always follow, but was happy to hear. If there are errors, they are strictly my own. My apologies if I accidentally left someone out.
My deep thanks go to the following:
Jim Flynn, who never once doubted my ability to bring this story to life. Grizz’s love and protection of Ginny is based on how Jim has treated me every day during our thirty year marriage.
Kelli Flynn, who called me from New York City on a very cold day as she made her way down First Avenue and told me I should write a book. It was the actual moment Nine Minutes was conceived. She consistently challenged me when I would send her excerpts. She posed as Ginny for the front cover. She also decided that Ginny needed a friend her own age. Chowder was my original choice to be Kit’s friend and confidant. Grunt was Kelli’s idea. I think she was right.
Katie Flynn, who spent exhaustive hours researching everything from popular song titles in the 1970s to rattlesnake bites and everything in between. She did everything she could, without complaint, including running our household when I needed to just “write one more chapter.”
Jessica Connor, editor extraordinaire and cherished friend. Her guidance and encouragement throughout the entire process kept me focused and gave me confidence.
Cheryl Desmidt, who edited one of my first drafts and did her best to keep me true to the 1970s.
Mary Dry, one of my early beta readers who listened patiently and offered advice when I would run ideas past her. It was Mary who insisted Kit could not cheat on Grizz.
Kelli Blasi, another early beta reader, who gave me the idea for Matthew Rockman.
Michael Blasi, who told me, “Throw two coral snakes in the empty pool with Willow and Darryl. You know, if you really want Grizz to be as rotten as you say he is.”
Christy Waymouth, an early beta reader, who provided valuable feedback that actually made me re-write some aspects of this novel so they would flow easily into Book Two.
Tommy Cooley, who very early on gave me some insight to help with the Grunt character. It only seemed natural that Grunt should be named after him.
Sarah Jo Morgan, who gave me her likeness and name for Sarah Jo. She researched popular names in the 1960s and told me that Grizz couldn’t smoke Marlboros. He had to smoke Lucky Strikes.
Matt Brodie, photographer and book cover designer, for creating my dream cover.
Allison M. Simon, who kindly and patiently answered my never-ending questions about self-publishing. She guided me in the final steps of this book’s release.
Chase McKeown, who posed as Grizz for the cover.
Tyson Keanum, whose hair and make-up expertise gave Kelli (Ginny) the perfect look for the cover.
Thank you also to Pat Blasi, Mary McGrath Connor, Carolyn Franz, Kaye Heller, Jennifer Hewitt, Joanie Kelly, Gail Milne, Susan Paine, Glenna Petryszak, Deanna Klingel, as well as to Harley Haven in Columbia, S.C.
And finally last, and in no way least, to Susan Anton who didn’t laugh at me when I told her the real reason I wanted to write this book. Her reaction gave me the courage to write the first word.
My heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in the process of making Nine Minutes a reality and to everyone who has actually read it. Thank you. I’d love to hear from you!
Beth Flynn
P.O. Box 2833
Cashiers, NC 28717
[email protected] www.AuthorBethFlynn.com
Beth Flynn, Nine Minutes
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