A.R. Kennedy's Blog, page 19

First on the dedication page

As I wrote last week, I dedicated the book to two groups. I’ve thanked everyone here in reverse of how they’re thanked on the dedication page.

Top spot went to my H! She has provided me much joy in the over ten years she has lived with me. My friend Pat tells me about her grandson’s, Peter, funny quips/stories and calls them Peter-isms. (is it wrong that I’ve used one of those in another series-A supernatural story- I’m working on)

Well, I have Heidi-isms. H is my little girl. A laid back princess who has yet to meet a food she didn’t like or a person who didn’t like her.

Here she is editing the sequel:)  I swear I didn’t pose her!

The second group of thank you’s

My true best friend

I’ve been blessed to be the proud ‘companion’ of two beautiful schnauzer dogs as an adult.  My L, who is no longer with us, was a dog like no other.  She had an attitude (not sure where she got that from:) and a beauty that was unmatched.  She was a lot like me – liked things her own way, didn’t like to be told what to do but ultimately, was a good girl.

 

It’s amazing how people can picture a character so differently in their minds.  But there is no doubt, when you picture ‘Laude’- Lily’s mini schnauzer who is kidnapped with her, you should picture L.

“Everyday was a blessing.”

 

P.S. While talking about what characters look like, Nathan’s mom, Marie, bears a striking resemblance to Gina’s lovely mother, Betsy. I’m not sure why.

Jackie

A true friend.   

I remember the moment Jackie became my friend.  I could tell you exactly where we were.  When I needed a friend, when I needed that hug, she was there.  Thank you.

I gave “Gone…But Not Missed” to Jackie first because I trust her.  We have similar interests in books and we know a good story when we read it.  I’ve gotten her hooked on other series and am so glad she is a fan of “The Nathan Miccoli Mystery Series.”  It is a true vote that GBNM is good.

I gave GBNM to Jackie knowing I would get an honest appraisal.  She had no idea I had an idea for a book, never mind had written one.  I had come to help her with her children when her husband was away.  Instead of lightening her load, I asked a huge favor – read my book and tell me what you think.  She still thinks she got the better end of the deal.  I think I did.

When she should have been resting, she read my book.

When she should have been catching up on sleep, she read my book.

This mother of 3 (a handsome five year old boy, a lovable three year old boy, and a precious four week old baby girl- I’m so proud to call them my nephews and niece) finished the book in less than a day.  There is no greater vote of confidence.  

She’s been clamoring for more ever since.

Thank you to her mother Carolyn as well, who read the book in its early stages.  

And for the last time, for both of our mothers to hear, Annie is not you.  You are a much better friend, because you believe in me.

Mom

As always, my mother is a constant support.  I gave the book to her second because I knew she would say it was good,  regardless of whether it was or not. She has kept my artwork from grade school, so she would not be an unbiased beta reader.  

Oprah says everyone should have a friend like Gayle.  I say everyone should have a mother like mine.  The world would be a better place.

 ***Aside- some of you know my mom and I are having a day in NYC today (11/7).  You might think this is a desperate ploy for her to take me shopping.  Alas, she didn’t go to work today and will not see this post until Monday.  

But….Feel free to call and tell her how wonderful I am.  I need a new pair of jeans:)

‘Gone…But Not Missed” to be released next week on amazon.com

 

Gina

The woman who re-named the novel.  The friend who I first told I was writing.  

Gina was the only person I told when I started taking a writing course.  I needed to tell someone and I knew she wouldn’t ask too many questions.  She wouldn’t push for more answers (like at the Red Sox Duckboat parade, she didn’t push to know who ‘Gone But Not Missed’ is dedicated too:)  Hope it was worth the wait!)

I didn’t know her likes for books and had no idea if she’d like GBNM.  But she read it over 2 days and loved it.   

Gina will tell it like she sees it.  She once told me “I’m glad I’m not you” when I told her of one of my adventures.  (Spoiler – I think Annie says that to Lily once in GBNM).  

Thanks to her lovely mother as well, who was also a beta reader.

Thanks for being a good friend, Gina.  You’re the only friend I’ve ever travelled with and have remained friends with after the trip:)

 

Jodi

How many people can say they met their friend from a coupon book?

It started as a desperate attempt to get bikini ready for a trip to Australia.  It continues as a friendship, that has included Thanksgiving dinners, runs at Citi Field, and drinking tours.  She is my go to for everything.  I wouldn’t have a car that runs, a clean home, a website, or taxes completed if not for her excellent recommendations.  

She has supported me from the first mention of the book and has been a cheerleader throughout the process. Despite numerous rejections, she encouraged me to continue- Because she loved GBNM & is a good friend.

She tells people I’m “pee in your pants” funny.  I can think of no better compliment for my humorous side:)

Thank you Jodi for being a friend and a fan of GBNM.

 

Phil

In my book, I dedicated ‘Gone…But Not Missing’ to my beta readers in the order they read the book.  I’ll thank them in reverse.

Thanks Phil!

The first man to read my book.  The only man to read the sequel.

I’ll never forget when he and his wife, my friend Jodi, came to check on me after Hurricane Sandy.  He wasn’t even in my home yet when he said he could picture how Lily and Nathan would weather the storm.  And, book five was born.

Thank you for your continued support.

GBNM to be released later this month on amazon.com.

 

 

Dedication

Do you ever read the dedication page (or pages) of a novel? I do and was always surprised to read how many people an author thanks. I realized how true it was when I started to write my own dedication page, for ‘Gone…But Not Missed’, to be released on amazon.com this month.

I kept mine simple. I’ve always preferred the dedication pages that were short (for obvious reasons) but also because it made me wonder who that person (or persons) was.

I dedicated my book to two groups. In my blog, over the next few days, I’ll thank each of them, a bit more specifically.

The first group are my beta-readers, a term I had never heard of before I started writing.

So, if you were a beta-reader, get ready to be thanked.

GBNM

Gone…But Not Missed for sale on amazon.com in November.