Bright Side (43 page)

They say it takes a village to raise a child.

It also takes one to write and publish a book.

Love and thanks, from the bottom of my heart, to the
Bright Side
village:

B., Deb
bie, and Robin—
Bright Side
’s first readers. Thank you for your encouragement throughout the entire writing process. I loved the random texts and feedback as we worked through the journey together (i.e.: “You’d better not … ” “I feel sick to my stomach.” “I balled my eyes out!!!” “I loved ... ” “And Clayton!” “More Keller, please.” “OMG.”) Having an even split from the ladies on Team Keller and Team Gus reassured me I was onto something good with them both. Deb, Keller is all yours. Robin, Gus is all yours.  Which leaves Kate for B., which I know wouldn’t disappoint him.
At all
.

Tammy
Johnson, RN, BSN and Dr. John Okerbloom, MD—
Bright Side
’s consultants on all things medical. Thanks to my crazy smart sister who shared her crazy smart friend with me. Two of the nicest people
ever
. Together, with the patience of a couple of saints, they fielded and answered many, many questions. Thanks for helping me bring some realism and compassion to Kate’s story. You two are the best!

Kody
Templeman—
Bright Side
’s music sensei. Thanks for reading through all of the band/touring/technical music related bits of the story and giving it your stamp of approval. Answering all of my questions and lending your support meant the world to me, my talented friend. *As a side note to anyone reading this, you should check out Kody’s bands:
Teenage Bottlerocket
and
The Lillingtons
. I’m serious. Check them out. They’re freaking awesome! 

Jess
Danowski and Inside the Pages of a Book—supporter and believer. You have guided me through the world of indie publishing and promotion with the precision of a Jedi master. I bow down to you. Thanks for believing in me!

Eric Johnson—my link to a younger generation. Due to the fact that it’s been … A LONG TIME … since I attended college, I had to lean on my nephew to keep this old lady legit. (You thought I was kidding about putting you in the acknowledgments
, didn’t you, Eric?) You earned it. Thanks dude!

Monica
Parpal—
Bright Side
’s editor extraordinaire. Not only are you amazing at what you do, but you always make me feel like you have as much invested in my projects as I do. Thank you for loving Kate and for all of your feedback that made this book so much better than it would’ve been without you. You are my hero, Monica!

Brandon Hando—super talented cover designer.
Bright
Side
’s cover is beautiful and perfect. Thank you Brandon! Your talent never ceases to amaze me.

Mom and Dad—“World’s Greatest Book Pimps.” As cheerleaders go, you are the masters. You are my street team, and I couldn’t ask for better. Thank you! I love you!

B. and P.—my two favorite people. You are my world. I couldn’t do what I do … life, pretty much … without you. I love, love, love you!

Musicians around the world—I cannot write without the magic you create. Music inspires me like nothing else. Thank you for sharing your passion with the rest of us.

To me, Kate Sedgwick is the epitome of a very real, very strong woman. I am so lucky to be surrounded by strong women in my own life and each one of them inspired a little piece of Kate. Thank you to Barb Harken, Debbie Clark, Robin Stonehocker, Barb Konecny, Tammy Johnson, Andi Hando, Erika Sosias, and Monica Parpal for being such
badass
women. I love, admire, and respect each one of you for your intelligence, attitude, confidence, humor, and kindness. You do epic every day, ladies.

And lastly, to you, the almighty reader: you humble me.
Every. Single. Day
. The fact that you spent your precious time reading my book means more to me than you’ll ever know. It blows my freaking mind if you want to know the truth. Writing a book and sharing it with someone is the equivalent of giving a speech butt-naked to a crowded room. It’s putting it all out there for the world to see. People judge you, good or bad. Thanks for your continued support! It makes me feel less naked.

I’m going to leave you with one last thought, because sometimes life is hard. For all of us.

You are brave …

Now go ...
do epic
!

That’s an order.

Do it.

Please
.

Let’s be friends.

We’ll hang out.

It’ll be fun.

Visit me here
:

www.kimholdenbooks.com

www.facebook.com/kimholdenauthor

Also by Kim Holden
:

All of It

Gus
(coming 2015)