Magic at Work – Some people I’d like to thank

Remember when I said it was done?

It’s been back and forth between me and Sofia Grey twice since then. This time, I’m almost confident it won’t need more edits (see that “almost?” Yeah, it’s there for a reason.) Even if it does, I’m determined to try my best to stick with the March 12th launch date.

I may have mentioned this before, but this book is very special to me from beginning to end. The plot bunny was tossed my way by a friend from the US. She and I toyed around with her original idea, and she liked what I came up with, so she let me have it. I can never thank you enough for that, Carrie. I love you.

Two ladies in particular helped me put my thoughts into words. Thank you, Tina and Kristi. I hope a copy of the finished book finds its way to your hands one day and that it makes you smile.

A few years ago, I started posting an earlier version of the story online, in installments. While writing it–because of writing it–I met readers from around the world. I got to know them through their comments and my responses, and forged friendships that kept me going through some dark personal times. You’re too many for me to list here, but you know who you are, and you better know you rock.

A comment I got surprised me, because it was from a guy, and I’d thought I only had female readers. I replied, and that was my first communication with the man who is now my husband and the father of my son.

I’ve worked on Magic at Work, one way or another, since 2008. It was one of the first stories I wrote, before I knew anything about writing, and for that it was extremely time-consuming to shape up. Points of view were all over the place, grammar and syntax only made guest appearances, and I apparently had no clue how to use speech tags properly.

When I decided I needed to do some heavy editing on it, a good friend from the other side of the world stepped up and gave me some directions. Thank you, Kysira. You know I love you and wish you lived closer.

For the past few months, I did my best to tell this story the best way I possibly could. Again, I was fortunate enough to not be alone. My friend Carla Krae, an author I both love and admire, helped me get a better grasp of what readers like in a book, while another wonderful person and author, Sofia Grey virtually held my hand and walked me through each bit of the book she felt could be more polished. Thank you both from the bottom of my heart. I’m in your debt.

Finally, I’d like to thank a mystery lady, to whom I’ve never actually talked directly. Sofia asked her to read what I thought of as the final draft. She did and pointed out why it really wasn’t. I’m not sure I did your brilliant suggestions justice, but thank you very-very much, Tigerlilyreader. I was too close to the book to see what you spotted.