To me, one of the most delightful things about publishing a book is that you get to include a dedication.
I love this idea, that the book is for a particular someone and, at the same time, everyone else, too.
It’s just a tiny little line or two, but in there is recognition and gratitude and love.
In that vein, I’ve offered up my portion of All the World to my husband.
In a week, we will have been married fifteen years, which kind of freaks us out because we really don’t feel that old.
But sure enough, it’s been that long, and the whole time, Kirk has backed me up, cheered me on, and talked me down.
He’s rolled with my rather extreme manifestations of elation and despair, distraction and obsession, passion and exhaustion.
He’s co-parented, co-cooked and -cleaned, co-created, co-conquered and co-cracked up with me.
And he’s carried more than his fair share of the financial load as I’ve spent zillions of hours on less-than-lucrative work.
I think it’s fair to say that I wouldn’t have two books or two daughters or two dollars to my name if it wasn’t for him and his steady, loving, endlessly patient belief in me. Thank you, honey.
And while we’re at it, my daughters (to whom I dedicated my first book) are also pretty darn true blue.
They put up with my ups and downs and distractions and they cheer me on like my own booster squad — at ages when I’m pretty sure they’re supposed to be completely self-involved. Plus, they inspire me everyday in their own boundless creative energy and confidence.
Speaking of which, here’s my Tall One’s depiction of Marla’s gorgeous cover:
(Click on it to see it in all its glory…)
Sigh…
I am lucky and grateful beyond measure.
And I’ll bet you are, too, so don’t forget to enter my drawing for a signed copy of All the World by leaving a comment here or on facebook or via email. Really, cross fingers, knock wood, you’re the winner! I know you are!!
Congrats, Liz!
I would love to win a copy of your book ~ it sounds wonderful! If I don’t happen to win it, tho, I’ll be picking up a copy of it soon!
Re: Congrats, Liz!
Thank you for stopping by and your name is in the hat!! Good luck!
Liz, I would love to enter your drawing contest, even though I’ve already pre-ordered my copies… I was hoping to make it to BookPeople’s party, too, but I think we may have a conflict that weekend. So maybe, instead, I can pull some strings with a certain niece, who might be able to request a playdate with someone you know, and I could ‘accidentally’ bump into you to get my copies signed… someday. Perhaps.
🙂
deb
Deb — crossing my fingers for you!!!
Tanita Says 🙂
Even though it embarrasses the crud out of D. I feel like dedicating every single book to him, too. Those zillions of hours on “less than lucrative work” is who we are and what we do, though, and I’m so pleased you have a guy who loves the who you and are what you do. And Tall and Small one, too!
Re: Tanita Says 🙂
I know. Me, too.
Dang, life is good.
And tell D to just buck up and take the dedications you toss his way!
tis about love, isn’t it?
i love this post! how seldom we acknowledge the people who are always there for us. sure they know how we feel, but how wonderful that you expressed it here as well as in your dedication! 🙂
Liz, you are loved!
Re: tis about love, isn’t it?
Oh, gosh. Thank you. And yes, we don’t often go on and on. Sometimes novelists get to, a little more, on their acknowledgements page, but that would be longer than my entire text!
Tall one’s rendering of the cover is beautiful. My girls have already packed their copy of A Sock is Pocket for the beach. Get your signing pen ready! And we’d love to win a signed copy of your new book, too.
hokgardner
Signing pen is in back with swim suit and sandals! And your name is in the mix — good luck!!
Wow! That is one talented artist that you birthed!
I’m rather partial to her work, it’s true…
Ed and I also celebrated our 15th anniversary this year. It hardly seems possible.
Congrats on the new book. It looks absolutely lovely.
Oh, happy anniversary, Tricia!!! And thank you and good luck, ’cause you’re in the running now!
What a lovely post, Liz! Lucky you, lucky daughters, lucky husband, lucky me for having had a peek at your book already! 🙂
And lucky me for having discovered you and your friendship and your correspondance and your amazing work!
Happy Anniversary, in advance! And your Tall One? She did well with that drawing…
Jules
7-Imp
Why, thank you, Jules!
Dying to know how YOUR artist did at school this week!
I love your daughter’s cover! What lovely art to be emulating.
And yay to fifteen years of marriage and so much to celebrate!
Oh, Adrienne, thank you, my friend.
Your book looks lovely.
coll
colleen@myartsite.com
Thank you, Colleen! I’ve entered you in the drawing….