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Thanks
There have been a lot of positive forces on my writing throughout my life,
but a few stand out more than any others.
Elaine Fitzpatrick, my beloved
bride. We've known each other for years, and now that we're
completely inseparable, I use her and abuse her regularly as my usual
First Reader. She never
complains, she just reads and critiques. I can't impose on her too much,
and I impose on her all the time.
Jonathan Murphy, my brother and
friend. We've shared writing, traded ideas, helped each other out, and
been creative influences for each other forever. 'Nuff said.
Kim Murrell, a
great friend and proofreader. She's always been strong with opinions and
not afraid to tell the truth. I love you to pieces, Kim... even if you
can't pronounce the word "chimney."
Mary Cluff, my junior high school English
teacher. I never did my homework, because I was always busier writing some
story or other. Mrs. Cluff was the only teacher who understood, even when
I never did hardly any work all year long in my English workbook. On the
last day of junior high, on my way out the door, I met up with her in the
teacher’s lounge and told her I’d do the workbook over the summer and have
my sister bring it in. I will never forget the smile on her face when she
said, “Just keep writing, David.” It struck me powerfully then, and it
still does today when I think about it. Aunt Mary: I just kept writing. I
think it’s working out.
Shirley Russell, the mother of an ex-girlfriend of mine from way back.
The girlfriend had read a book I had written and was intrigued by it, and
recommended I let her mother read it. Shirley was an
absolutely huge science fiction fan and took it very seriously, so I gave her the book. Weeks later, she
visited and was livid that, for the first time in years, she hadn't gotten
her taxes done early--because she'd been reading the book. “It was
WONDERFUL!” she proclaimed jubilantly. This astounding review from such a woman was a great
inspiration to me that I was doing something right. Thanks, Shirley.
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