THANK YOU

I know I've been bad about blogging this week, but I've still been writing like a crazy person! As many of you probably know, I've spent the last seven or so months trying very hard to write and edit a novel. The process has had its ups and downs. Sometimes I'm really proud of what I'm doing, and other times I've wanted to throw my laptop out the window so I don't have to see my work again. Mostly, I remain at a comfortable level of ambivalence about what I'm working on, and I just keep typing.

I want to use this post to thank those of you who have been incredibly helpful through the process. To the very first person who read my first few chapters and gave me the tough love I needed to get off the wrong track, thank you. That honesty was incredibly instrumental in the process. Next, to my husband, who begrudgingly reads each chapter before I send it elsewhere, I appreciate your keen eye for details and your hatred of overly-fluffy language. To the good friends and family who continue to read the chapters I've finished and offer advice and commentary, thank you for your thoroughness and excitement. It means a lot! Also, thank you to all the friends and family who ask me about my progress and take interest in the project. You keep me honest and give me inspiration. Both are things I appreciate immensely.

On top of all the reading and editing and supporting help, I've also gotten some fabulous assistance from two good friends who've lent hours of time to letting me ask them poorly-worded questions about all things military. They have filled in countless details, and I couldn't write massive portions of this book without them. Thank you. I don't know how I can repay that kindness. (Besides your advanced copy, JV, even if I have to print it at my library because no publisher will buy the manuscript.)

Thanks for all your support. That's a large part of what has kept me from throwing my computer out of the window. I still don't know whether this project will go anywhere, but you guys make me feel like I'm possibly doing something neat.