by Quinn Ward
Discovery may be the most personal book I’ve written to date. While I’m not an age player, I connected with Matteo on a deeper level than many of my characters. Those who’ve seen my posts on social media know that, just like him, I’ve been on a journey of self-discovery recently.
First and foremost, I want to thank every single person who’s reminded me there’s nothing wrong with being who I am. Even more, there’s nothing wrong with not knowing who I am right now. You listened to me when my mind was filled with doubts and fear. You’ve embraced me when I’ve found the strength to be vulnerable. I truly couldn’t have done this without all of you.
I start there, because I feel being honest with myself and with the world has freed me to write the stories I want to write the way I want to write them. It wasn’t until somewhere in the process of writing Challenge that I realized how much I struggled with writing in the past even though I loved it.
Shellie, I think it’s safe to say this book would not be what it is without your help. Thank you for lending me your experience in the community. Thank you for picking up this crazy person who lived in the middle of nowhere and allowing me to experience your family and your dynamic firsthand for a weekend. When you told me you wanted a Daddy like Levi, I had to laugh, because in a lot of ways, you already do. When I wrote his character, I often found myself asking what your Daddy would do and rolling with it. Please give that man a hug for me, because without knowing it, he’s a huge part of this book, too!
Shaw, you are still a rock for me and I will never be able to repay everything you’ve done to help me, both personally and professionally. For someone so sweet and quiet, you have a damn fine commanding streak in you!
Erin, Janeane, and Denise, thank you for once again reading through the swill of my story and helping me craft it into something I hope readers will enjoy.
Courtney, thank you for the ultra-efficient edits. You took the raw words and made them coherent.
Barb, thank you for your eagle eyes on proofing! I feel much more confident knowing you picked up those last minute gremlins.
And last but not least, thank you to everyone on social media who’s helped me spread the word about the Marino brothers. With one tiny comment about how much you loved the boys, you have the ability to turn a bad day around, and that has nothing to do with sales. The writing process is often lonely and filled with doubt. When I first started publishing, I was given the advice to write for myself and consider it a success if I touched one life. Your comments are the proof that, no matter how a book sells, I’ve achieved that single goal.
