Babbeo (bahb-bay-oh) – Sucker, fool or simpleton.
Boh (boh) – I don’t know.
Coglione (coh-ylee-oh-nay) – Asshole.
Il Pristino (eel pris-tee-noh) – The Pristine.
Italia (eet-al-ee-ah)– Italy.
Italiano (eet-al-ee-ah-no) – Italian.
Mamma (mah-mah)– Mom.
Milano (mee-lah-no)– Milan, a city in Italy.
Per tutto, c’é un motivo (pehr too-toh, chay oon moh-tee-voh)– For everything, there is a reason.
Polizia de Stato (poh-lee-ts-ee-ah day staht-oh) – State police.
Vigliacchi (vee-ylee-ah-kee) – Cowards.
Translation of the song Mara was singing –
Be patient, my love,
One day too you will fly.
Bloom forever, my flower,
And never will you collapse.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
There’s something about writing an “acknowledgements” section that feels a little big-headed, like I think I’m winning an Oscar or something, but in reality, I truly believe that this book wouldn’t have been written if it weren’t for all the support I received along the way. I want to write an acknowledgement section because everyone who read drafts, asked questions, cheered me on, and more, deserves recognition. So, let’s begin.
First and foremost, I would like to thank my brother, Michael, who, from the day this was just a spark of an idea, sat down with me for two and a half hours and listened to me brainstorm vague concepts and who became excited alongside me. Then came the nights I’d blab in his ear about conflicts I was having about characters/scenes/everything and anything, and he’d calmly challenge me, asking questions, always analyzing. I credit much of the continuity in this book to him and his helpful, critical eye. The only idea he ever gave that wasn’t taken into consideration (and I told him it would wind up here in the acknowledgements) was the suggestion of using the pen name “Jessaca Longshlong”. Thank you, Michael, but on that one, I decided to go another route.
To my mom, Julie… where to begin? Thank you for birthing me, thank you for raising me, thank you for always believing in the person I would become and letting me find that path. For as long as I can remember you’ve been my hero and I am so grateful for the strength, compassion, and joy you’ve given me. Thank you for letting me live with you well past what our society deems appropriate, so that I could pay more into my student loans and continue my personal growth through travel. I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it weren’t for your patience and acceptance, and for that I love you. Really, I could write a book about all the ways in which I appreciate you and the support you’ve given. Sadly, this is not that book. But I hope you know that your kind gestures, late nights, hard work, and all the big and small moments of parenting did not go unnoticed or unappreciated.
To my friends and colleagues, Tony, Tiffany, and Lauren, who got a first glance at the semi-finished copy and provided tremendously helpful feedback. Without your help, Blood Awakens would still just be ink on pages without a solid plot or relatable characters. It was only through your encouragement and thoughtful suggestions that I was finally able to believe that this could become something more than just a story I dreamt about. Thank you for all the hours you contributed to making my dream a reality. I feel compelled to give a special thanks to Tiffany, my critique partner, who has probably read and edited this story all the way through just as many times as I have. I hope that we continue to strengthen each other’s work and find support from one another.
To my mentors, Patrick, Angela, & Kent, the three of you helped guide me through this process in more ways than you know. Patrick, it was in your 1st grade class that I learned to love the art of story-telling through your “Writer’s Workshops”. At the time, I wrote about lands made of ice cream and hidden realms under beds, but you sparked my imagination, and a teacher could give no greater gift. Angela, I again find myself at a loss for where to start. From the very first day I snootily introduced myself to you in high school (ha ha), you’ve been instrumental in the path I decided to choose in life. I will never forget the day you encouraged me to apply for a scholarship for college, and you told me I had to do it because I was a good writer and therefore could win. It was the first time I started believing in myself again after a long time giving up. From then on, you’ve been a great support to me professionally, have become one of my dearest friends, and you offer a balance to my oftentimes disorganized and frantic mind that I truly appreciate. Without you, I would’ve likely never said to myself one day, “You know, I think I’m going to write a book; I believe I can.” Kent, although our communication is sporadic, you are always available when needed. Your candor and genuine excitement for Blood Awakens was both refreshing and touching. Thank you all for offering your wisdom, your time, and your hearts to make this happen.
This acknowledgement wouldn’t be complete without a shout-out to my Thursday night MeetUp Writing Group. It was your weekly presence and companionship that literally had me writing Blood Awakens.
I’d also like to thank my editors Sandra Ogle and Alice Lunsford, and my cover designer, Daqri Combs!
To everyone else, friends, family, and loved ones, I can’t thank you enough. I was so nervous to tell anyone about this book because I was afraid if I voiced it then it might die. But once I began telling people, I was truly surprised and grateful for the response I received. All of you were so supportive and excited by the news, it was staggering. Many of you even offered advice, encouragement, and ideas. As the followers on my Facebook, Twitter, newsletter, and blog continue to grow, I am always humbled by support. So, in reality, it is because of you all that this book even became a real, concrete thing.
Thank you everybody for each role you played. I’m beyond grateful for your support, I’m touched by your enthusiasm. It’s baffling to me that as an author (whoa, can I say that now??) I can’t find the words to truly, fully express my gratitude to you, so I’ll close with a simple, yet heartfelt and tear-brimmed: thank you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jessaca is a fantasy writer with an inclination toward the subgenres of dark, dystopian, paranormal, and horror.
She studied social work for both her undergrad and graduate degrees and incorporates themes from her education (i.e. systems of oppression, family dynamics, mental health) into her writing. She is a self-proclaimed nerd who loves cosplay, video games, and comics. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her partner and their human- and fur-babies. She is an amateur trapeze artist (though currently, she’s on hiatus after having a baby).
Blood Awakens Page 43
