| Acknowledgments |
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We all know “Life” is far more interesting than “Fiction.” And behind every fable lies deep truth. For that, I’d like to thank all the “characters” in my life who have filled it with light, love, drink, wonder, tears, and too many laughs for any one person to fully deserve. You have inspired and obliged me to sprinkle pieces of each of you into these wonderfully rich, endearingly flawed, geniusly original, intense characters. So thank you, Bethany (DeMeuse) Rankin, Cory L. Schuelke, Sarah Blom, Tracie and Sean Madden, Roberta Renaud, Rick Cerasoli, Lora Cerasoli, and J. David Newton. A million thanks to Sandra Siegal for having a “sick” amount of faith in me since the moment we met in the spring of ’96. You embody an optimist whose honest, energetic spirit cannot be rivaled in this industry (or on this planet). To this day, I can’t believe I’m not your only client. I often think of that thing you once said regarding your work ethic: “Never mistake kindness for weakness.” You’re a brilliant businesswoman with a heart of platinum. Thank you, Ken Atchity, of Atchity Entertainment International, Inc. for suggesting I turn my screenplay, On the Brink of Bliss and Insanity, into a novel. When I said I didn’t know how to write a novel, you tossed me one and replied, “Here’s a book: Do it like that.” You’re awesome. I’m beyond thrilled you squeezed me into your highly successful schedule and taught me through “tough love” editing how to pull this off. And thank you, Andrea Mckeown of AEI, Inc. for your expertise and innumerable phone calls throughout the editing and revision process. You have a really cool phone voice (which always helps when one is getting critiqued…over and over and over). Special thanks to David Newton of Newton’s Theorem for the use of your song, “Roses” and for creating a groovy, magical soundtrack as the perfect compliment to this novel. I can’t wait for the whole wide world to be blessed with your unique, eclectic, soul-touching tunes. You’ve been a rock star in my eyes for years: an inspirational talent. And William Potter, thank you for your time, friendship and artistic genius. Your concept for this cover brought it to where it is today – perfect. Five Star Publications, Inc.; I am blown away by your energy, efficiency, excitement, and accessibility. Gary Anderson, you were speedy and insightful throughout our editing process. And Sue Defabis, thanks for the info, emails, that keen proofreading eye, and “laughing out loud” while reading this on the plane. Linda Radke, your enthusiasm toward your company and clients is contagious. You work around the clock and are a bounty of fresh marketing ideas. Plus, your company has accommodated my artistic whims beyond my imagination. And speaking of beyond “imagination” and “expectation,” the cover of this novel is exactly that. Wow. Thank you, Kris Taft Miller. When I saw your creation, it was “love at first sight.” I want to acknowledge a dear friend, Valarie Beadle, for being a one man support system for me for the last decade. Val has six amazing kids, and has spent endless hours supporting me and running my website since General Hospital. I don’t know when you sleep, Girl! And, muchas muchas gracias to Todd Dooley, my newfound cousin on my husband’s side. Todd, my website is sultry, classy, and simply stunning. You called me out of the blue and out of the kindness of your heart. I am overwhelmed by your generosity, spirit and talent, and if I can’t pay it back, I promise to pay it forward. And lastly but not “leastly,” thanks to Peter Weaver, my funny, cool, sexy, perceptive, patient hubby. You must be sick of reading my shit…but you just keep on doing it. There’s a writer inside you that has let me snag some really great ideas, characters, and plot points. Thanks, Babe. And, Mom, Sherie Cerasoli, you rock on a number of emotional (and financial) levels. Where would an artist “like me” be without a mom “like you?” Thanks baby sis (Lora), baby bro (Rick), Brock Weaver, Grandma Nori Cerasoli, Jazzlyn Jo Weaver (my favorite everything), and my late father, Dick Cerasoli. You had a dream two weeks before you died that “They’d be fighting over this.” Dad; I’ll keep you posted. |