Firefly Beach
Page 25
First, a special thank you to my husband, Emo. Without his financial and emotional support, I would not have had the resources to pursue this incredible dream. I am also lucky to have two beautiful daughters who cheered me on and helped with the household chores.
Thank you to the proprietors of the bed and breakfast in Searsport, Maine, The Wildflower Inn. Not only did Cathy Keating and Deb Bush arrange cozy accommodations and delicious breakfasts, they patiently perused a very raw draft of Firefly Beach and gave me crucial feedback.
I am thrilled to acknowledge three invaluable women, Firefly Beach’s first true fans – Caroline Penaloza, Joy Brooks, and MaryLynn Lorentzen. Honestly, if it were not for these ladies, I believe I would have shelved the manuscript years ago. Their enthusiasm kept the story alive.
Artist Amy Feiman created a gorgeous painting, which has hung on my wall as an inspiration since 2008. Now her beautiful painting has become the cover for this second edition of Firefly Beach.
Several beta readers assisted in tedious, much appreciated proofreading – Rose Pressey, April Ross Plumber, and Patty Dutton.
I am particularly grateful that I met Rose Pressey. Her passion is contagious. If not for Rose I would never have found Lyrical Press, the original publisher of Firefly Beach. I am also indebted to Emma Porter, former editor-in-chief at Lyrical Press, for taking the time to read Firefly Beach and believing in its potential. A heartfelt thank you to Renee and Frank Rocco, founders of Lyrical Press, for investing time, money, and faith in me and Firefly Beach. Thank you also to editor Sandy Light for her insightful comments.
Finally, my deepest gratitude to Tracey Garvis Graves, writing partner and cyber sister, for encouraging me to explore self-publishing, so that Firefly Beach would not go out of print.