The Sigil Blade (52 page)
I began writing when I was young, strictly for my own personal enjoyment. I continued to write as I grew older to give form and expression to the ideas that roll around inside my head. Inspired by history (especially the kind which is now only poorly remembered) and a need to explore the concepts that fire my imagination, I began to build stories. Considering my creative efforts an intensely personal process, I was selective in sharing it with others.
And that is where I would still be now if it were not for two very important people.
The first is my brother, who loves so many of the same things I do, but has more passion and feeling than I could hope to have. Where I could be characterized by restraint, introversion, and at times by a tendency to remain disconnected from others, my brother has the kind of warmth that reaches through walls, encourages friendship, and inspires me to reach for greater things. We have spent thousands of hours together discussing our stories. His influence is found throughout my work, lending a vibrant quality to my writing that it would not otherwise have.
My little sister, whose enthusiasm and encouragement have ever been sources on which I can rely for motivation when I become discouraged, and confidence when I have felt doubt, is the second. I owe her an incredible debt for all of the things she has done to inspire me to write, improve, and ultimately finish this novel, and I am truly grateful for the incredible passion she has shown for introducing my work to others.
With their encouragement, I shared this story with an expanding group of interested fans. In doing so, I have been on the receiving end of so much generous assistance that I cannot help but feel inadequate in expressing my appreciation to the many people—including friends, family and sometimes perfect strangers—who have given me advice, feedback, and material support. Deserving of particular mention, major contributions were made by my cousin Staci. Her expert work as the editor on the final draft of this book led to numerous improvements, elevating the quality of the narrative and the flow of the text.
I thank you for buying a copy of my book, and I am especially grateful to those of you who took the time, in some form or another, to share your impressions of the book. Your support affirms the simple purpose for which I write—expressing thoughts, feelings, and ideas that inspire me, in the hope that they will inspire you in turn.