Many Thanks
There are hundreds of thank yous that are deserved, and I strive to expound on these at the end of each manuscript. Some names throughout this writing journey bubble to the surface though, and must be mentioned.
Thank you to Camille Close, who read my 'first pancake'. I had always considered you to have excellent taste in books, so your wide-eyes and a firm tone insisting I keep writing became a critical factor in continuing. You told me that it was as good as a friend's who had just gotten published by HarperCollins. I believe all the other books I've written, or ever will write, exist because of you. You were the first person to wholeheartedly believe in me.
My undying love to Amy Beenfield, who is the first person banging on the door with hands outstretched when I am nearing the end of a manuscript.
Thank you to my parents, for showing up and trying every single day.
To my sister, Skye, for cheering.
To Lauren, for her basement.
Thank you to my launch team for The Ocean's Daughter. That was one of the best weeks of my life. We were #1 Bestsellers in six Amazon categories because of you! Not only was your kindness flooring, but it came right before the sky cracked open in my life. When the floods came, the memory of that experience buoyed me up.
Thank you to Yvonne, my miracle friend. How we met is such a good story, I must share it! When I was finishing the first draft of The Woman of the High Tide I went with my now-husband on a walk. We stopped at a statue of Christ in Provo, Utah and I asked the only other person there to take a picture. She had a beautiful accent and I asked where she was from.
"Oh, you probably haven't heard of it. It's a tiny island off the coast of France called Jersey." Somehow I stammered, "I have heard of it! I am writing a book that takes place at the lighthouse there right now!" "I have family history at that lighthouse!" Alexandra introduced me to her aunt, Yvonne, who was a historian of Jersey, had been an editor, writer, was retired so she had time to help --- and her husband had worked at Corbière Lighthouse. Yvonne, if I had searched the world over, I doubt I would have found someone so perfect to help me with this manuscript. You are pure gold.
To Lanie and James, for the first opportunity to see my screenplay acted! It is a privilege to dream with you, and I hope the opportunity to work together more comes to us. You are of the highest caliber.
Thank you to Amy Harmon, for reading a complete stranger's work. I often think about when I was standing in line waiting to talk to you, sobbing with nerves. When I turned the books over to be signed by you, they were sweaty! You were so kind. I am still amazed that someone with a reputation such as yours took the time to read and evaluate my work. I am ever grateful and honored.
Thank you to all the lovely people of Jersey, who jumped to help with the manuscript however they could when I visited.
Paul, the owner of Corbière Phare who learned from one of his staff that I was writing a novel there, then chased me down as I was leaving the restaurant so that I might see your historical photo collection of the area.
Another humbled thanks to the brilliant Nicky Mansell, who was headed out for an international trip the next day and needed to prepare, but instead gave us a tour of Corbière Lighthouse. I suppose it would have been better to talk to one of the lightkeepers themselves, but they're all dead. I believe no one else alive could have filled that role as perfectly as you did.
Last of all -- but is it really 'last' if they are through everything, every page, every moment of inspiration? -- I thank my children, my Joe, and my God. I would trade a thousand dreams if that was the cost to have you in my life.