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AUTHOR'S
AKNOWLEDGEMENTS 
My
deepest gratitude goes to:
Steve, Renee,
Michelle, Mari Ellen, Karen, Sam, Lauren, Cyd and Greg -- my
proofreaders and initial audience. Thank you for plowing through early
drafts with sympathetic hearts and laser-sharp eyes. Your friendship
gave me a safe place to "test" Shelby's story, and your enthusiasm gave
me the courage and drive to persevere.
Chris
(aka. Mr. Teacher Man) -- I had high hopes for the cover of this novel.
You surpassed every one of them. Thank you for a deep and luminous
illustration of Shelby's true heart.
Greg -- you
contributed so much more than editorial counsel to this project. Thank
you for guiding the development of the cover with your expertise in
graphic arts and cover design.
Mom -- you
responded to the first, very imperfect draft exactly the way I needed
you to, which means you'll remain the standard by which I judge the
"water-level" of my writing. I've asked Kleenex, Inc. to sponsor the
next novel. Thank you for loving me -- chins, cheesecake, and all.
Becky MacDougall -- thank you for your advice regarding the
legal aspect of guardianship. You were vital to the first stages of
this process.
Donald "The" Shilling -- oh, the
gray hairs you've spared me! We have a long history of collaboration
that dates back to your student days -- and by "collaboration," I mean
you doing all the work and me doing all the demanding. That'll teach
you to be the brains of the operation. Thank you ("grosse Zeit!") for
making this website a masterpiece I couldn't have imagined, let alone
achieved. You're my hero.
The 06-07 Creative
Writing class -- your insanity kept me sane during the more rigorous
writing phases of this project, and your excitement fueled my efforts.
I look forward to seeing your own names in print some day! Each of you
is gifted and insightful in a unique and God-designed way. You've been
the highlight of my year... and the goosebumps on my heart.
My students, past and present -- if there's one thing I've learned in
16 years of growth and change at BFA, it's that the school's greatest
luxury will always be its students. Knowing you makes loving you
inevitable. You move me, embolden me, challenge me and bless me. Thank
you for enriching my life by your mere presence in it. I love you!
 Six
precious seniors girls known as the "lunchtime companions"
in
the novel.
Finally,
I am intimately aware that this novel is the overflow of countless
encounters, conversations and profound recognitions. I am grateful
beyond words for the lives that have brushed and illumined mine. If
you're one of them, I hope I've done your story and heart justice in
the pages of Shards of Shell.
Thank you for your
part in it,
Michele | | | | | |
