Gratitude

It's release day!

After months of planning and preparation, The Piano Teacher, the first book in my Ladies of Roderick Glen series, has finally been released into the world. I don't have children of my own, but allowing my book to venture into the world of public opinion feels a bit like waving goodbye to a child as they begin their first day of school. I'm excited and hope it will do well, but underneath the positivity, there is an undercurrent of uncertainty. It's a bit too soon to tell if it will sink or swim.

Fortunately, The Piano Teacher has been blessed with several early positive reviews, for which I am eternally grateful. I'm thankful for each reviewer that has taken time to read my debut novel and review it, as well as those that will do so in the future. There are so many wonderful authors in the world already. Amazing books are released every day. I am honored and humbled that you chose to read a book written by a new and untested author such as myself.

The list of people that deserve thanks for helping me reach this day is quite long. As I mentioned in my very first blog post, I've wanted to be an author almost as long as I can remember, and from the very beginning, there have been people along the way that have encouraged my dreams.

First, my parents. My mother inspired my love of reading. We didn't have much money while I was growing up, but she always made sure I had plenty of books to read. She and my father were realistic in their expectations for my future, but they also encouraged me to believe that anything was possible. I can never thank them enough for everything they have sacrificed so that I could achieve my dreams.

My teachers, most of whom were very supportive. They never batted an eye when I declared my ambition to become an author. I'm thankful for their encouragement, as well as their willingness to allow me to scribble on my latest story when I should have been focusing on my assignments ;)

I'm thankful for my friends and family, who have always had faith in me. I have never been very self-confident, but thanks to your support and gentle encouragement, you convinced me that perhaps it wasn't too late for my dreams, after all.

To my very own "dream team," Lisa Thomas and Erin Bradley. The words "thank you" don't seem like enough. Publishing The Piano Teacher would not have been possible without your help. I may have written the words, but your fingerprints are evident in nearly every other aspect. I feel as if it isn't just my book, it's ours. And just look at what we did!!

Most importantly, I would never have been able to do any of this without the Lord's help and guidance. When I first embarked upon this journey, the list of obstacles seemed endless, but one by one He led me around them, opening doors and providing countless opportunities along the way. I have always considered the citizens of Roderick Glen to be the Lord's special property. I'm so grateful He chose me to write their stories.

To my new readers, thank you for taking a chance on an unknown author! I hope you enjoy The Piano Teacher and that reading it brings a smile to your face. I hope you make friends with the characters and that you'll want to continue reading about them in the next book of the series.

Most of all, I'm grateful for the gift of writing. It has brought immense joy and fulfillment into my life. It isn't just a hobby, it's a fundamental part of who I am. Always has been, always will be. And I wouldn't trade it for anything.