author blog challenge #25 - a few shout-outs

I'm back from our little weekend getaway. Didn't get nearly as much writing done as I would have liked, but I'm dangerously close to writing 50K+ during the month of June. Very pleased. And needed the relaxation.


Back to the prompts...


Time for some shout-outs. This may mimic your acknowledgement page, but whom would you like to publicly thank for their help in creating your book or completing it to the point where it is presently?

The people who've helped me the most along my journey don't read my blog. But I'm going to call them out anyway. First, of course, is my handsome and adoring husband. He's not only allowed me the time to write, but he's been there every step of the way, even when no one else knew. He's listened to me gripe, complain, even rave, and always offers encouragement. That's huge.

Second, my amazing friend (and jewelry-maker extraordinaire) Chris. He's read two drafts so far, and always has great comments. So not only is he fun and talented, he is willing to hash out details and isn't afraid to let me know his real feelings. Can't appreciate that enough.

Third is my best friend Alison. We've been besties since high school...and have known one another since junior high. That's a damn long time. She's definitely my second half, and she was the first one I told about writing (after all, she was part of my Key West inspirational trip). She's been there for all the highs and lows, and always has an encouraging word or a 'what the f*ck!' when things don't turn out as I'd like.

Fourth is a tie between my older sister Mary and my mother-in-law. Both have read drafts and offered comments, and both have supported me along the way. They are two smart, lovely ladies, and I'm lucky to have them.

Last (but not least) is my mom and my other older sister, Chrissy. They're always willing to read anything I give them. They aren't so good with critical comments, mostly because I think they're just so amazed I can write a whole novel, and read them with nothing but anticipation. But heck - it's great to be flooded with compliments every now and again.

Those are just the people in my real life, though. I can't even begin to thank the online folks who have critiqued chapters, or queries, or short stories, some who have been incredibly influential. The folks in the query group of Writer's Digest have been amazing, and they're always willing to read and comment. When I get too close to the darn thing to look at it critically, they always see exactly what I miss. And I've gotten a ton of great help on You Write On and Scribophile, too. Honestly, when no one else knew about my writing, or when whole novels weren't ready for critique, online folks were my only salvation.

And a huge shout-out to the great writers involved in the Author Blog Challenge. I've met some fantastic people, and gotten some great advice. And, by forcing myself to do the prompts, I've learned a lot about myself and about writing. I'm still wondering how I was allowed into their ranks...

So there you have it. I only hope I can be as helpful and influential in their lives someday as they've been in mine.