Your comments have really touched me, and I appreciate your thoughtfully chosen, kind words. I just hope you are not disappointed in the book once you get it in your hands–and I do hope you get it in your hands–right off the press. None of those torn off cover “knock off” copies, sharing with the neighbor or going to the second hand book store two weeks after it comes out stuff right now. Get your very own copy and stock up on copies for 100 of your closest friends!!!! What great Christmas presents. I can just see nice little packages, all wrapped in green and red, dabbed with a little glitter for a holiday touch finished off by big ole gaudy gold bows. I can hear the squeals when your loved one reaches under the tree. Imagine the holiday spirit that you can spread. But please don’t let me influence your gift giving–that would be pushy and crass of me.
Actually, I am feeling very vulnerable right now. I guess I liken it to an artist who just hung her first picture in the foyer of some gallery. What if it’s a flop? What if nobody likes it? There are so many what ifs, and it is scary!! I’d be lying if I told you I wasn’t worried. If my parents were alive they would like it, well, except for the sex parts which would cause Daddy to worry slightly about the other deacons, and Mother would blush and be a bit embarrassed at the “beauty shop”, but all in all they would be very proud. I no longer have them with me as a sure bet, but what makes me sad is not that they aren’t here to provide unconditional support, but simply because they are not here. But their fingerprints are all over my life and, therefore, on this book, and they are smiling down on me, so that is the next best thing.