Dedication Page

We’ve all seen those dedication pages at the front of the book that give a special thanks to important influences in the author’s life. I’ve recently thought long and hard about whom I would dedicate my works to. And it quickly became apparent that I have far too many and too much to say to fit in those few allowed lines. And even though I don’t have any large works published yet, I feel I’m close. I’m “there,” I’m publishable quality. Things are going to start falling into place. And there are a lot of people who have helped me get this far.

So I decided to write a true dedication to all of those who have helped me along the way, one that can really express the thoughts and feelings of my heart. So, this is for all those along my journey who have helped me find success (mostly in the order in which they came on the scene into my career path):

First and foremost, my hubby. Thank you for your support at every stage of the process. You have always been willing to give up time and money to help in any way that I think will further my career. Not once have you batted an eye at cost of conferences, travel, or tools regardless of our personal situation at the time. You always found a way to make it happen, believing all of it as an investment toward success. You’ve celebrated almost more than I have at each of the successes along the way, whether small or big. And for someone who is not much of a reader, having you tell me you enjoy my stories is a high compliment indeed.

My dad. I grew up watching a man read voraciously and author multiple scientific studies, speeches, and books. I’ll always remember the yellow legal pad, red pen in hand, lips moving as he revised time after time. He held no comments back when he read my school papers as a child, all long before I seriously considered being any kind of author. But he taught me that language has power, and being precise with it enhances that power. I just wish he were still around to see how far I’ve truly come.

My mom. I can’t mention my dad without mentioning my mom. Yet another voracious reader, though of completely different genres from my dad. As soon as I started being willing to share my writing, you have been one of my greatest cheerleaders all along the way.

My kids. How many tweens and teens would be excited to talk story with their mom? Spending chunks of your family vacations brainstorming in the car will always be fond memories of mine. You asked great questions and provided interesting suggestions that helped me develop the overall shape of my story. Thanks for helping me discover my plot holes!

Eric Swedin. For all those years ago when we sat next to each other as random strangers at a fundraising event, and you asked me what I like to do. And when I took a breath and admitted I was writing a book out loud to someone other than my hubby for the first time ever, you capitalized on it and said, “Well then, you need to come join the League of Utah Writers.” And the rest, as they say, is history. Thank you for your patience in teaching me the writing process, even when I didn’t understand why you spent money to sit in the halls at conferences and just talk to whomever walks by. (I get it now—believe me.)

The League of Utah Writers. You’ve given me several years of education and connection through this process. It’s been valuable to be part of a professional organization focused on making its members’ dreams accessible and achievable.

My First Solid Critique Group. Jayrod Garrett, Tom Abbott, Steve Myers, Josh Morrey, and Heidi Wilde. All great writers in their own rights. You pushed me to become better and do hard things. I’ve learned much from you and your strengths. Thank you for your honesty in my weaknesses when you knew it wasn’t my best. On specific personal thanks, Jayrod, your ability for plotting stuns me. Josh, your introduction to short, flash fiction totally revolutionized my writing. Heidi, your creativity and tenacity opened up possibilities I didn’t even consider. Much of my success today still depends on what this group has taught me.

My Writing Sisters. Jill Burrell, Shantal Sessions, Arlena Harmon, Melanie Francis, and Susan Fredericksen. You ladies are the best critique group I could ask for. I’ve heard it suggested that you should trade out your critique partners annually so as to avoid stagnation or writing to a limited audience. But we’ve grown with each other and lifted each other to such amazing levels. Jill, you help tighten my phrasing. Shan, you always make sure my relationships between characters are realistic. Arlena, you get as giddy over my story as I do, which makes me want to write more. Melanie, you find the holes and mistakes that no one else notices, and it really heightens the level of my writing. And Susan, you help me discover turns of phrases that are so much more eloquent than where I started. I’m lucky to have found all of you.

My Tribe from Superstars. This was a writing conference I wasn’t sure about at first, but now I’ll never miss. I’ve never been part of such a large group that has immediately felt like home. Many of its participants will never know how you’ve impacted me through a comment, a conversation, a class, or a counseling session. 

A special shout-out to Cindy Gunderson, Raf Hohmann, and Thomas Fawkes. We found each other and became fast friends at perhaps the lowest moment in my writing career. I was demoralized and disillusioned and wondered if I was wasting my time. The three of you encouraged me to keep going. And Cindy, you gave me several tools that showed me the way to move forward. We’ll always have between the booze bar and the pot shop.

Sam Knight. The first person who gave me an opportunity at a paying publication. So amazing to work with. And I had no idea that when I finally met you in person, I’d quickly consider you one of my best writing friends as well as mentors. Your advice has been both invaluable and honest. You take the time to help me find and correct the problems I’m having in my own writing even when you already have so much on your plate. Your friendship means a great deal to me.

My Writing Soul Sister, Melissa Meibos. I’m so glad that after many years of noticing each other from afar, you reached out to tell me I looked like a blanket you’d made. That brief moment changed my writing life. We connect on such a deep personal and professional level. I’m excited to share this journey with you.

Each of these listed above has made an indelible impression on my life, and I would not be the author I am today without them. You each deserve a note of personal gratitude for the great influence you have provided on my life.

However, there are many others who have also had brief but impactful effects on my development. More than I can name have contributed drops to fill my bucket. Family members, friends, coworkers, fellow authors, editors, readers. People who have appreciated my stories and asked for more. The list goes on and on.

They say writing is a solitary career. They lie. They also say it takes a village to raise a child. I say, “It takes a village to raise an author.” Thank you for being part of my village. My writing is for you.

Writing That Explores Our Humanity