So, I guess the biggest thing I want you to take from this is that you are not alone — and you will be okay, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now.
I think one misconception is that depression only exists for people who have been through a devastating event, or that it’s something to be ashamed of, something you have to almost… earn? To be able to say you battle with it. It’s a difficult concept to understand, made even more impossible for those who haven’t been touched by it personally. How can someone just not get out of bed? How can doing a task as simple as driving to the store to pick up milk be that daunting?
The truth is, depression isn’t a one-size-fits all. It comes in so many shapes, fits us all in unique ways, and we each feel differently when we’re under the veils of it. Sometimes we’re okay, sometimes we’re not, and the truth of the matter is that in both times — we are human.
There is no easy answer to any of the questions we have when we’re right in the middle of our “bad days,” but there are people around us. There are friends and family members who love us and want to listen. And if you’re in a place where you feel like that’s not the case, then I want to share the following with you.
If you want to talk, 1-800-273-8255. Call this number for free and confidential support from the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.
Don’t want to talk? Maybe you’re like Emery and would rather write, instead. If so, you can text 741741 to be connected to the Crisis Text Line. One of my beta readers tested this to make sure it was legit, and they were immediately connected to a real person.
And, if you don’t even want to be connected to another human, maybe you can try answering Emery’s question — what makes you happy? You don’t have to tell anyone, just make a list, short or long, on paper or just in your head, of little or big things that bring you joy in this moment, on this day.
I know these resources are already out there for you to find. Me sharing them with you isn’t anything groundbreaking or new. But, if you connected with this story, with these characters, then that means you also connected with me — the writer behind the story. So, from me to you, I care about you — every single one of you — and you are not alone.
Remember when I said I had no idea what to write? Well, it’s still true as I wrap up this thought. I’m not an expert, and I don’t have all the answers. But I am a human, and I do understand, and I do truly wish the best for you in your life, and all the happiness you can possibly experience.
Again, thank you for reading my book, for continuing on long enough to read this note, too. I hope as you file this book away on the “read” shelf, you take a piece of it with you and hold it close to your heart, as I hold all of you close to mine.
I’m starting to get to a point in my career where I can’t truly thank everyone I really want to, like all of you — the readers — who I wish I could list by name in here to truly express how grateful I am for you. I mean, seriously, there are MILLIONS of books, hundreds of new ones being published each and every day, and you still picked mine. I am honored, truly, beyond words. Thank you for reading my work.
The first name I do have to list in this one is Sasha Whittington, my very best friend. This one was a doozy, wasn’t it? Thank you for opening up to me about your own struggles and for loving me through the hardest parts of this story. You helped me to remain honest, critiqued me when I needed it most, and more than anything, cheered me on when I felt like I couldn’t do it anymore. I love you with all my heart, and I know this book wouldn’t be what it is without you. Thank you.
Staci Hart might as well be a permanent embossed name in the back of all my books, because there hasn’t been a single one she hasn’t been a part of since we met. Staci, thank you for being there for me on the hard days, the days when the words wouldn’t come and I wanted to give up. You always push me, challenge me to be a better writer, and without you, my words wouldn’t shine the way they do. This is my favorite book I’ve written to date, and you helped make it what it is. Thank you. I love you. MTT.
To Brittainy C. Cherry, thank you for being my person. There is no one in the world who gets me more than you do, who understand the ups and downs of a girl who “feels too much.” Although I’m thankful for the role you played in helping me write this story, I’m even more grateful for the universe helping us find each other, because I’m not sure how I survived before our friendship existed. Don’t ever leave me.
As always, I have to thank my momma, LaVon Allen. Without your constant love and support, I wouldn’t be the woman I am today, and I definitely wouldn’t have had the lady balls to quit my full-time job to pursue my dream of writing. I needed all my time and energy to fully dedicate to this work, so thank you for showing me that though taking risks can be scary, it’s always worth it.
My beta team was CLUTCH this time around, so I have to give a huge shout out to all of them. There were many changes made from the first draft of this gem, and you all gave me the tough love I needed to make it the best story it could be. Kellee Fabre, Monique Boone, Sarah Green, Kathryn Andrews, Danielle Lagasse, Becca Hensley Mysoor, Ashlei Davison, Tina Lynne, Trish QUEEN MINTNESS, and Sahar Bagheri — stop being so awesome. Just kidding, don’t ever stop. I love you. THANK YOU.
Elaine York, thank you for your understanding when I pushed back the date I gave you the final manuscript… twice. You understood more than anyone that this particular baby needed more of my time and attention, and you worked your ass off to still adhere to my deadlines even though I asked yours to be flexible. I couldn’t do this without you.
I would also like to thank Flavia Viotti, my incredible agent, for having the same hustle and drive that I do. I appreciate our relationship more than I can say, and I know we’re just getting started. The future is bright. ;)
To the magical Lauren Perry of Periwinkle Photography, thank you for yet another stunning photoshoot that made this cover my favorite of all. The feels you captured, the lighting, the STORY — it was more than I could ever ask for. I’m so thankful to have your talent in collaboration with my work, and more than that, to call you a friend. I love you.
I also want to thank Angie McKeon, my little bumblebee, who supports me throughout the ups and downs of not only release months, but all the other months in-between. Thank GOD the book world brought us together. I don’t know what I did before I heard your laugh or talked with you for hours on messenger. You are an amazing friend, and I’m glad to have you.
Nina Ginstead and the entire team at Social Butterfly PR, thank you for promoting On the Way to You with as much passion as I did. You treat me like a part of the family, and I’m thankful to have you on my team, too.
Last, but never least, thank you to my safe place — Kandiland. A group that started with just me and one other person has grown to almost two thousand members, and yet it still feels just as cozy as the first day. There is no place that can make me smile the way you guys do, and I honestly, TRUTHFULLY, could not do this without your constant love and encouragement. You’re the reason I keep going on the hard days. I love you all so much. And a special shout out to Jessica McBee, who keeps the wheels turning in Kandiland when I disappear into the writing cave. You da bomb dot com, baby girl.
Oh, and to Pocket, whose aggressive meowing helped motivate me to write long into the night. Meow meow, purr purr, yes, I’ll get you an ice cube.
A Love Letter to Whiskey
An angsty, emotional romance between two lovers fighting the curse of bad timing.
Weightless
Young Natalie finds self-love and romance with her personal trainer, along with a slew of secrets that tie them together in ways she never thought possible.
Revelry
Recently divorced, Wren searches for clarity in a summer cabin outside of Seattle, where she makes an unforgettable connection with the broody, small town recluse next door.
Black Number Four
A college, Greek-life romance of a hot young poker star and the boy sent
to take her down.
The Palm South University Serial
Written like your favorite drama television show, PSU has been called “a mix of Greek meets Gossip Girl with a dash of Friends.” Follow six college students as they maneuver the heartbreaks and triumphs of love, life, and friendship.
PSU Season 1
PSU Season 2
PSU Season 3
The Chaser Series
Tag Chaser
She made a bet that she could stop chasing military men, which seemed easy — until her knight in shining armor and latest client at work showed up in Army ACUs.
Song Chaser
Tanner and Kellee are perfect for each other. They frequent the same bars, love the same music, and have the same desire to rip each other’s clothes off. Only problem? Tanner is still in love with his best friend.
Straight, No Chaser
Tag Catcher
A bachelor party gone wrong and a “meet the parents” nightmare. Two short stories bringing you more shenanigans from the characters you fell in love with in Tag Chaser and Song Chaser.
Kandi Steiner is a bestselling author and whiskey connoisseur living in Tampa, FL. Best known for writing “emotional rollercoaster” stories, she loves bringing flawed characters to life and writing about real, raw romance — in all its forms. No two Kandi Steiner books are the same, and if you’re a lover of angsty, emotional, and inspirational reads, she’s your gal.
An alumna of the University of Central Florida, Kandi graduated with a double major in Creative Writing and Advertising/PR with a minor in Women’s Studies. She started writing back in the 4th grade after reading the first Harry Potter installment. In 6th grade, she wrote and edited her own newspaper and distributed to her classmates. Eventually, the principal caught on and the newspaper was quickly halted, though Kandi tried fighting for her “freedom of press.” She took particular interest in writing romance after college, as she has always been a die hard hopeless romantic, and likes to highlight all the challenges of love as well as the triumphs.
When Kandi isn’t writing, you can find her reading books of all kinds, talking with her extremely vocal cat, and spending time with her friends and family. She enjoys live music, traveling, anything heavy in carbs, beach days, movie marathons, craft beer and sweet wine — not necessarily in that order.
CONNECT WITH KANDI:
➜ NEWSLETTER: bit.ly/NewsletterKS
➜ FACEBOOK: facebook.com/kandisteiner
➜ FACEBOOK READER GROUP (Kandiland): facebook.com/groups/kandischasers
➜ INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/kandisteiner
➜ TWITTER: twitter.com/kandisteiner
➜ PINTEREST: pinterest.com/kandicoffman
➜ WEBSITE: www.kandisteiner.com
Kandi Steiner may be coming to a city near you! Check out her “events” tab to see all the signings she’s attending in the near future:
➜ www.kandisteiner.com/events
On the Way to You Page 27
