Deadly Thyme (42 page)

A long time ago, a critique group led by Roger Paulding told me that my five-page short story needed to be a novel. That was the beginning.

There are so many people I have in my life who made
Deadly Thyme
a possibility. My family allowed me the solitude to write. My wonderful copy editor Rhonda Erb knew just what she was doing. She was so patient with me, which was needed with all those redundant hyphens. This book is so much better because of her! I want to also thank her brother, Darren Doyle, the linguistics magician! Meghan Pinson helped make the story hang together better. Heidi Dorey created an amazing book cover that fits perfectly.

I wrote the story, but then the location found me. It is a fictional location created from several small seaside villages along the northwest coast of Cornwall
, one of which is featured in Doc Martin. On my research trip there I found the perfect bed and breakfast called The Old Rectory in St. Juliet outside Boscastle. It is run by a charming couple, Chris and Sally Searle. Everyone must be sure to set their vacation plans and make reservations. They serve the best food in the south of England. Also, I want to thank an unforgettable woman who helped me with so much of my research. Thank you, Sharon Bates!

I met a young man on the train who gave me some super pointers as I shared my cheese crackers with him. Thank you, Jaimie Atallah, friend for life.

Whatever does not ring true in this book is the fault of this author. I had the most amazing helpers sorting out fact from fiction for me. Thank you to Inspector Graham Clark of the London Metropolitan Police for police facts, a tour, and a delightful tea. Thank you, Constable Michael in Camelford, for your insights and humor and artwork. Sergeant Suggs of the Devon-Cornwall Constabulary helped me with my inquiries. Retired Detective Sergeant Jim Bakewell was most helpful with some pertinent facts that I would have gotten wrong were it not for him.

My critique group
s fueled my passion for the completion of the story. I’m grateful for the advanced writing course I took with teacher and writer Chris Rogers.

Thank you also to so many people who read early drafts that were full of holes. They helped me plug them. These include Graham Clark, Chris and Sally Searle, Kimberly Morris, Maria Durham, Carnie Littlefield
, and Amy Nolen.

If I've missed someone I should have mentioned, I'm sorry. It's late and I'm old.

Rebecca Nolen writes, draws, paints and cares for people she loves at home in Houston, TX. She has been a member of SCBWI, The Houston Writer’s Guild, and Sisters in Crime for many years. She has won many writing awards, including the top prize for
Deadly Thyme
at the Houston Writer’s Guild writing contest. She attended Emmaus Bible College and the University of Houston more years ago than she’d like to remember and she has participated in many writing conferences, workshops, and advanced writing courses. Her books will soon be available at bookstores. At the library ask for the book to be ordered, or if the author could send the library a copy. Contact Rebecca at:
[email protected]
to request a copy and be sure and include the library name and location.

Rebecca’s
middle-grade historical fantasy
The Dry
is also available on Amazon
HERE
an
d Barnes & Noble Nook
HERE
.

Read more
at
www.rebeccanolen.com