“What’d you wish for?”
“Can’t tell you or it won’t come true.”
“Will you tell me if it does?”
“Yeah.”
“Promise?”
“Yeah, I promise.”
Acknowledgements
I want to thank each and every one of you for reading the story of Jess and Alex. So many wonderful books exist out in the world, and I feel privileged that you fit The Mason List into your busy schedules.
I have wanted to write a novel for a very long time. Even after I started the process, it took many years to turn a concept into a full-fledged story. This book only exists because of the wonderful people who provided support along the way.
My husband John, who believed I could write a novel before I had words on paper. You would not let me quit. Each time I was discouraged, you would tell me to keep going – even after you read the first draft! Thank you for always being supportive of my eccentric, creative ideas. I know it’s difficult living with a part-time Hobo, who believes piling up things is being organized. Without you, I could never write a love story. You are the love of my life – fun, fights and all.
My brother Kyle, who asked if he could wait to see the movie. Nothing is more encouraging than someone who thinks my story will be that successful. You were always supportive both vocally and financially. I appreciate all your input – including the web series idea created on speaker phone while I was driving in my car.
My parents, Darrell and Georgia, who have been supportive my whole life, even when I stayed in school an extra year or so (whose counting) to get a degree in Journalism. I have always been a story teller. As my Mom use to say – “You tell Grandma Lily stories”, which means I like to include the details. I think we all knew the writer was in me, I just had to figure out how to get it on paper. Thank you for always asking about my book and being financially supportive of The Mason List. And most importantly, thank you for encouraging me to read as a kid. You bought me stacks and stacks of books, and took me on numerous trips to the library.
My in-laws, Billy and Gayle, who have always made me feel included in their family. You are very kind and sweet. I appreciate your support both vocally and financially. Thank you for always asking about my writing project and listening to the planning details. You have spread the word online and many of my followers are because of you. You thought my story would be wonderful without ever reading a word.
My beta readers: Kelli, Patty, Rachel, Bonnie, Beth, Brittney and John. The Mason List would not be the same without you. I took your suggestions and factored those into the final story. I appreciate each of you for listening to me talk for hours about plot and characters. More importantly, you read the beta copy and loved it – even when it was twenty-thousand words longer. All of the readers should send you a GIANT thank you for helping me make those changes.
My writing buddy Dan, who introduced me to the world of National Novel Writing Month (NANOWRIMO). I had wanted to write, but didn’t have the platform to constructively put words on paper. Thank you for letting me babble on and on about editors, word count and writing software. I’m sure there were many times you wanted to yell, “Just publish it already!”
My book buddy Kelli, who gave encouragement to keep writing this story. You were both a beta reader and my target audience. You read original drafts out of context - sometimes even broken dialogue I created in the notes section of my phone. When I was discouraged about a chapter, your excitement over the story would always get me back on track.
My editor Anna Floit, who was tasked with the original 138,000 word final manuscript. Bless you girl! I will always be incredibly grateful for the many hours you put into The Mason List. I know this project was very difficult at times. Thank you for sticking with The Mason List!
My photographer Andrew Lam, who was gracious enough to take my wonderful author photos. Thank you for all your help – even when I tried to “glamour” them!
The many family members and friends, who have been so supportive and encouraging – there’s just too many of you to name. Thank you for always asking about my project and sharing in the excitement. You have no idea how much it meant to have people want me to finish. Writing can be a very isolated hobby. I had doubts at times and then I would cross paths with one of you, hearing your kind words. Thank you!
And thank you God, who makes miracles possible; whether they are in the form we want, or maybe the one that needs to happen. As Alex came to understand in The Mason List, we will never comprehend the grand-master plan, and that’s ok. “For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
About the Author
SD Hendrickson received a Bachelors of Science in Journalism from Oklahoma State University. She lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma with her husband and two schnauzers. Currently, her days are spent teaching computer software to oil and gas companies as well as writing technical instructional manuals. The Mason List is her first novel.
Visit www.sdhendrickson.com for more information on upcoming projects such as Red Dirt Claws and The Tunnels.
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