Written in the Scars (42 page)

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This was a story that took so many formations, it’s amazing to see where it ended up. There are so many people to thank for helping it get here:

Before anything, I’d like to acknowledge the Creator of the Universe. Thank you for blessing me with another opportunity to do what I love. Not only that, thank you for blessing me with so many generous, kind people to help make it happen.

I may write the words, but Mr. Locke gives me the faith, love, support, and space to make it happen. Thank you, My Love, for doing all the things I ask (and all of those that I don’t). You work harder than anyone I know and, while I’m not sure why I was given you, I’m not giving you back.

My Littles can’t read my books (yet—maybe never). That doesn’t stop them from supporting me in their own ways. It makes it so much easier to spend hours writing when you roll out of the office to see their little faces asking, ‘Did you finish? How’s it going? You need a drink?’ They’re my life, plain and simple. I couldn’t ask for more patient and supportive children.

Even at my age, I’m still a mommy’s girl. There are nights she makes dinner and drops it off before the Littles are home from school because she knows I’m slammed. She lends a hand picking people up from practices and never misses a baseball game. Did I mention she does this while undergoing chemo? Yeah. She’s a rock star and I couldn’t do this without her.

To my extended family in all directions—thank you all for your incredible support. Every little thing, from passing out ink pens to watching the Littles to spreading the word about my release dates matter. And I couldn’t appreciate it more.

Jenn C is my right hand, my note taker, my sanity. Without her, I’m a blubbering, chaotic, disorganized mess. And lonely. Thank you for pushing me, making me laugh, sending me pictures, and giving me hell. Stop traveling. I hate being without you. I love ya.

Kari and I met so randomly a few years ago. Even as our friendship grew, I had no idea it would turn into
this
. She’s my other half, the person that knows me and what I like and what I mean even when I don’t. So much of everything I do goes back to her in one way or the other. Thank you for being you, Kari—the most talented person I know. And my PIC. Forever.

Susan read this book, despite her life going at a million and six miles per hour. I don’t know how she gets through a day and that’s without throwing my books into the mix. Thank you for taking time for me. You make me smile each and every day.

Carleen read this a hundred times. Each time, her notes were so smart, so thorough, that I stared at the screen . . . and then got to work. There aren’t enough words to explain my gratitude for your time, eyes, and love.

Ashley R read this story (multiple times) with so much passion, so much determination to get it ‘just right’ that I was floored. Thank you for your honesty. Thank you for your willingness to talk to me on the phone and hammer out the little things. Thank you for being you and sharing your talent with me.

Jen F jumped on board the beta train, having never worked with me before. Sometimes that can be an awkward exchange, but not this time. I appreciate your words of wisdom and the rawness in which you shared your point of view. You made such a difference to this manuscript.

Candace, Erica, and Joy didn’t hesitate to lend their eye to the final product. Without your attention, ladies, this book would be riddled with mistakes. (And that one chapter wouldn’t have been included, Candace!) Thank you for setting aside your lives and lending me some of your time. You are the best!

Thank you to Ashley P, Mary Lee, Robin, and Michele for reading this in its earliest, messiest stage. You were all forward with your comments, delightfully insightful, and generous with your time. I appreciate you all.

Mandi is my Pres (if you’ve read Wherever It Leads, then you get it). If not for her, I’m generally moody and indecisive. ;) You know all the things I mean to say, my friend. That’s the beauty of our friendship—I don’t even have to say them. #Easy

Suzie and I outlined this book while she sat in the parking lot of Nordstrom Rack. I’ll never forget that night. Her enthusiasm for this story, her demand that it be written and be written next made this happen. Thank you for being my supporter, voice of reason and, most of all, my friend.

A long time ago, I was talking to Gail on the phone and telling her what it was like where I live. Immediately, the writer in her jumped up and shouted, ‘Write that story!’ I laughed at her, but she insisted. Even though I didn’t write it then, I have now and I thought of her and her excitement over this prospect throughout the process. I hope it works out half as well as you’d hoped, Gail.

Once again, my team came through in a big way! Thank you to Lauren Perry with Perrywinkle Photography for the gorgeous picture of Ghent Scott. Hugs to my friend Kari March with Kari March Designs for taking my vision of the cover and making it happen (with your magical tweaks, of course!). Kisses to Lisa with Adept Edits for your patient work on this manuscript. God bless you. There aren’t enough thank you’s for Christine at Perfectly Publishable. Not only is her work the best in the business, but our friendship is one of my most treasured. Kylie and her team at Give Me Books was a delight to work with for my fourth time (I think!) and I was honored that Erin at Southern Belle Book Blog would take me on for this project as well. I also would like to give a shout-out to Jenn Watson with Social Butterfly PR for being one of the sweetest people in the business. Thank you all for making this happen!

Without Books by Adriana Locke, I probably would still be tinkering with the first chapter. You ladies (and gentlemen!) push me, encourage me, and send me so much inspiration that it’s impossible not to write. You’re my happy place. Thank you for your incredible support in everything I do.

And thank you to Sam Hunt. Without your music, I would still have writer’s block.