by s. Behr
Where to begin? That is a question I think most writers start with when they realize they want to be an author. I never thought I had a story to tell that anyone might want to read, or how much work it would be to bring it to life. The acknowledgements were so far down on the list that it was quite the surprise when I realized this was pretty much all I had left to write for this book. To say how I felt at that moment, you would have to imagine me doing a happy dance, and I am pretty sure no one needs to see that, so words it is!
It took a long time to get here, and however this story is received, I know it is everything I hoped it would be. To all the people who helped me find the courage to begin The Evolutionaries series, and finish Power Divided, I am forever thankful.
Before I begin, I feel I have to deviate just a bit to explain how this whole writing thing began. Howie and I were never lucky enough to have children that survived, (please don’t tell the half dozen furballs that run around our house they aren’t our kids). But after the struggles with what so many couples today face, I didn’t get to meet Violet the way I would have chosen. She came to me in a dream, and with Hugh Jackman, the Greatest Showman and Safteysuit on repeat, somehow this story practically wrote itself.
Violet, I knew from the moment you existed, I loved you, and your loss was devastating. Though I had you for what felt like moments, I never got to see you grow. But you were the reason I started this journey and never gave up creating this universe. It has always been for you.
To my husband, my cheerleader, my sounding board, and the pain in my arse. You keep my life interesting and full of Diet Mountain Dew. You have been the one and only person I can count on and vent to without judgement. Without your many skills, I am not sure what my life would have been like, and I can honestly say, like Violet’s inner voice, I would never wish to know a life without you. Your support has been unwavering. Even now, I can hear you upstairs writing music for this story, and it fills me with giddiness and joy. Thank you, Howie Behrens, the best of all men, and the best of all friends.
To Gina Salamon from Killing it Write, my wonderful editor, mentor, and friend, without whom we know this manuscript nearly ended up in the trash. Your guidance and help knew no bounds. You held my hand when I needed it, and calmed me down when I was hysterical for no reason. I still don’t know how you do it; I am just glad you are there for me. (Howie is also really glad, and thanks you too.)
To my beta readers, taking the time to read unproven books and the mettle to give guidance, deserves a standing ovation, and so much more. Your words gave me the courage to share this project with the world. Regardless of what anyone else has to say about this story, your opinions will always mean the most to me. Mabel Prejean, Chris Aikman, Keryn Aikman, Chrishel Smith, Emma Rosaline, Kallie Kennon, Olivia Fox, Howie Behrens, Sandra Caldwell, and Valerie Brunies. Without your help and advice, who knows what this could have been? Maybe a western. Ha! Thank you for investing your time, and for just being who you are. I was lucky to find such an amazing group of people who made me a believer.
Valerie Brunies, I have to give you a extra special shout out for proofreading this monster of a book and for being you, what a blessing you have been, thank you for everything.
For all the contributing artists who made this book more beautiful than I imagined and for all the hard work that went into launching this series, thank you doesn’t even cover it. Maybe a cold drink and a BBQ is a good place to start!
Howie Behrens, the map and the Amera crest were far superior to anything I could have imagined, but that is your way; going above and beyond.
Pat Seals, how you found time between shows on the road to create the Neyr Crest baffles me. I am humbled and ready for the next seventeen. Are you?
Kimberly Brunnet, more than just a sister you are a talented artist that turned the words of the Ameran Bill of Rights into art.
J. Clarke for giving the cover exactly what it needed. You are a genius.
Judson Cole, Darwin Keys, and Howie Behrens, for taking the time to write new music for the trailers, I have only one word for you. Epic.
Meera Shah, my former bride who played my MC and her stunt double! You are perfection and so talented.
David Anzola, your kindness, and talent are so very rare, and I am lucky to call you my friend. Thank you for bringing this story to life in real action! I know I know, there is a kitchen remodel in Howie’s future! Wink!
Vicki Rimmel and Mike Choi two of the most talented people we know, Vicki, you are so strong and so talented, Texas is lucky that Mike brought you here. Mike, you know you’re amazing so for safety precautions I will refrain in order to keep your head from exploding. Jk. You are a Rockstar!
Andrea Blanco, from day one I knew you were special. I am so glad to have you on board. I would be a lunatic rambling on the sidewalk without you. Thank you!
Kallie K. for being one of the first to believe in Violet and her journey and all you do, thank you.
Patrick Fogarty, thanks for answering my crazy emails, and giving me some peace of mind and great advice. You rock.
Howie and I are blessed to have so many people in our lives, the massive Pushmonkey family- The Park, Fogarty, Price, Bolton, Hoffman, Keys and all those who came along for the ride! The F3 family, Behrens Masonry Crew, and the list goes on and on… Friends and family. Each of you deserves your own page of gratitude, and it would still be not enough. Josh M. you would need your own book.
Katy, you were there from the beginning and read some of the most horrific drafts of this book, you deserve a medal. But you never stopped encouraging me; for a million reasons you are priceless.
Judson for pushing me to think bigger. Bigger than a hydrosphere.
Kirby Caldwell, Clay, Abbie, and the rest of the Allen clan, you are an amazing family, and Howie and I grateful to be a part of it even though we gave you no choice.
To Rich Caldwell and family. Rich inspired so much in everyone he ever came across, and we were lucky to have had him in our lives for as long as we did. He will always be in a part of everything we do.
T-, you pushed me out of the baby birds’ nest and showed me how big this world is, and as crazy as it has been at times, I wouldn’t change a thing.
Chris and Jessica, We love you so much, your friendship is a treasure.
Aimee, for all the late-night calls and rants to hear me complain about the craziness in life to a book you knew nothing about; you are invaluable.
Shawn, I hope you are at peace. Shane, Brandie, and all of those who made our life so colorful, I will always cherish you.
Darwin and Melissa Keys, Chris and Cindy Smith, Shawn and Melissa Carr and all your families, you guys are simply the best. (mic drop here)
To my family. Mom, Dad, thanks for making me. I will always be indebted to you for all you have done for me. I love you.
To my other parents a/k/a Howie’s Mom and Dad, there is too much to thank you for, but know I am eternally grateful, and I love you.
To all my surrogate parents, you know who you are, please know that I wouldn’t be the person I am today without you!
To my siblings, Jem, Jack, Kimmy, Mike, Vivian, Kelly, both through blood and marriage, thanks for the great food, karaoke, too many adult drinks, and all the laughs.
To Julie, Shon, Ernest and Amanda, and the rest of Emmottville, thanks for the memories.
Curtis and Trisha, your support and the babysitting are priceless.
To my precious nieces and nephews, Ethan, Sofia, Kylie, Logan, Julian, Mabel, Izzy, Shon, Abby, Ellie, and Lucien. Thanks for keeping me young at heart. What amazing people you are growing up to be. There isn’t an Aunt Stephanie on this planet prouder than me.
To my furry kiddos, my faithful family, my writing companions, your endless wonder and happiness in the simple things inspires me every day, not to mention keeping my feet warm at night. Every moment I shared with each of you is a gift, and while your lives are short, like fireworks, you are dazzling and gone too soon. But we cherish you ev
ery day and hope that we live up to being the good parents you deserve.
And last but certainly not least, to the readers. For anyone who took a chance on an unknown author, and I hope found something to enjoy in it, I am eternally humbled and grateful. I hope you enjoyed the beginning of Violet and the gang’s journey as much as I enjoyed writing it. I am excited to see what comes next and I hope you will join me for Book Two of The Evolutionaries. Thank you.
About the Author S. Behr
It took a long time to realize that being half Chinese and half Filipino, (the country I was born in), then growing up in Texas from the time I was less than a year old, made me a child of many faces, traditions, and ideologies. Needless to say, it was confusing. But it was also amazing, and I am the person I am because of all the places my life has taken me so far, and the people I have met along the way.
When I met my husband, he was a rock star, and I was his biggest fan. His first gift to me was a camera, and without the support of Pushmonkey (his band), I might not have learned how much I love photography and made a career full of priceless moments. Now, Howie is my biggest fan.
With photography, we got to work together, and it has taken us around the world. Who would have thought that would happen when I opened that gift, my very first camera?
Photography is the study of light. To capture a story in a moment and freeze emotions with a single click. To commemorate memories for future generations. I learned how to tell a story with a single image. Little did I know it would also be what started me down the path of wanting to tell stories with the written word.
It was a dream, to be able to give Violet a story and now I’m doing it. With Howie at my side, we’ve started a new chapter in our lives and one I hope will bring half as much enjoyment to readers as it has already brought to me.
With our pack of furballs and our cat who thinks he’s a dog, we are proud Texans, that are Houston Strong.
See you in the next book!
Follow S.Behr
Facebook.com/sbehr2019
Twitter.com/sbehr12
Instagram.com/s.behr_author
Sbehr.com
All the fantastic people
who made this possible.
S. Behr—Writer and dreamer
www.sbehr.com
https://www.facebook.com/sbehr2019
Gina Salamon—
Check out her novels at www.ginasalamon.com
Gina’s editor service site www.killingitwrite.com
Cover typography and future cover artist for Evolutionaries series
J. Caleb Clark—
www.jcalebdesign.com/
Face book group www.facebook.com/groups/162214124421147/
Formatting extraordinary and writer Kari Holloway-
Author website www.kariholloway.com
Formatting site www.facebook.com/KHFormat/
Trailer Team
David Anzola Videographer Owner and Videographer at
https://www.velloraproductions.com
Meera Shah—Actress and stunt double (for Sb image studios bride}
Howie Behrens—Safety Coordinator and Husband.
Music Team
Judson Cole on Vocals and Lyrics—www.judsoncoleband.com
Darwin Keys from Pushmonkey Writer Percussions
Howie Behrens from Pushmonkey writer Piano, electronic drums, bass, and guitar
Wally Farkas from Galactic Cowboys, Producer, and engineer.
