Find SALVATION with N.J. Walter's PACK

Today, I am thrilled to feature a new series by Paranormal Erotic Romance Author, N.J. Walters!

Welcome to

The Salvation Pack

 Book One - Wolf at the Door
Samhain Publishing

When Gwendolyn Jones inherits a Tennessee cabin from a great aunt she never knew, she quits her job and follows her dream to write full time. Meeting a stranger in a local cemetery isn’t a risk she normally takes, but she needs the information on his flash drive for an article she’s writing on werewolves. Later that night, when two honest-to-God werewolves come knocking on her cabin door, they’re definitely not Photoshopped. 

Jacque LaForge is on a mission to retrieve a flash drive before it endangers his pack. He never thought he’d find a mate, but the chemistry between him and Gwen is unmistakably off the charts. Now to convince her he’s only trying to protect her from his vengeful former pack—led by his own father. 

Gwen’s first instinct to flee only gets her a smashed car and a concussion. She wakes up in a dangerous new world she never thought existed—and in the arms of the one man who stands between her and certain death. 

Excerpt

Wolf at the Door

A hard, heavy pounding shook the front door, jolting her out of her chair. She didn't waste any time running for the shotgun. Had Hector followed her home? Maybe he was crazy? She knew better than to break her rule about meeting in public. Why had she made an exception tonight? Too late to be asking that question now.

She thumbed the safety off. Her palms were damp and shaky, but she swallowed back her fear. How hard could it be to point and shoot? It was like a camera. This close she couldn't miss.

The knock came again, this time not quite as loud. "Ms. Jones?" The voice was low and deep, definitely male.

Relief hit her hard and fast. Maybe it was one of the local deputies. They often stopped by to check on her, mostly because she was new to the area, but also because she was a single woman. On her first trip into town, Margie at the grocery store had assured her she'd have all the male attention she wanted. Single women were rare in these parts. Most women were either married, too old or too young. The rest of them left for the bigger cities as soon as they were able. A single young woman was cause for talk in town.

Still, she wasn't about to be stupid. She seen too many horror movies where the dumb blonde gets herself killed by not being careful. She might be blonde but she wasn't stupid.

"Who is it?"

"Ma'am, I'd like to talk to you if I can. It's about Hector Canton."

As tempting as it was, she wasn't about to open her door to a total stranger. "Come back in the morning." She glanced at the old cuckoo clock hanging on the wall. It was just past eight, but as dark as it was outside, it might as well have been the dead of night.

"It will only take a minute. I'll stay out here on the porch."

She snorted, like she was stupid enough to fall for that. Gwent backed away from the front door and headed toward the phone in the kitchen. Out here, cell-phone service was spotty, but her great aunt had a land line that Gwen had kept when she moved in. No way did she want to be caught without phone service. She'd call the sheriff's office and have them come talk to the man.

There was no noise behind her, simply a stirring of the air, but Gwen knew she was no longer alone. She whirled around, her finger tightening on the trigger. The shotgun fired just as a male hand pushed the barrel up and out of the way. The bullet harmlessly buried itself in the wooden ceiling.

Gwen screamed as the weapon was tore from her hands and tossed aside. The front door was kicked in behind her, bouncing off the wall. She didn't know where to look. There was a stranger behind her and another one in front of her.

She lunged for the kitchen counter and the knife block. She needed something to defend herself with. Anything. One of them swore and leapt toward her. Large fingers tightened around hers, the pressure making it impossible for her to draw the large butcher knife from the block.

"Relax, chere. Shhh." His breath was hot on her neck and his hand practically swallowed hers whole.

She started to shake. Would they hurt her? Rape her? She couldn't think about the possibilities. She had to fight back. Her muscles, immobilized by fright only seconds before, came back under her control. She threw her head back hard and fast and connected with his face.

Her captor howled in pain, sending an icy-cold shiver racing down her spine. It sounded too much like the dogs she'd heard earlier.

Massive arms wrapped around her torso and pulled her away from her only source of weapons. "Dieu. There was no need for you to do that, chere."

She still couldn't see the man holding her but the one in the front of her was hard to miss. He was huge, probably around six-four, his brown shaggy hair hanging around his massive shoulders. His golden-brown eyes started at her and his full lips were drawn into a thin line of displeasure.

Shit. She was in deep trouble. She recognized him from the picture she'd seen only moments before. Her only option was to try to brazen her way out of this situation.

She cocked her eyebrow at him and inclined her head. "You're either Louis or Jacque LaForge. I'm not sure which." She had a brief moment of pleasure when she noted the surprise in his eyes. Then they went flat, and the expression in them scared her spotless.

Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Book Two - Wolf in her Bed

Anny Conrad is a single thirty-year-old librarian—a cliché complete with two cats. Dragged out to a local bar, she’s rethinking her life plan over a few drinks when a man walks up and asks her to dance. And what a man. Tall, rugged and more than a little untamed. Before she knows it, she’s in his arms and throwing caution to the wind. 

With a pack war in full, deadly swing, the last thing Armand LaForge needs right now is a woman in his life, much less a human. But one thing is certain, he’s met his mate, the one woman in the world for him. 

The kindest thing to do is give her all the hot sex she wants and then leave her alone. But when the morning comes, fate isn’t done screwing with them. Anny is confronted with the fact that the myths in her library books are real…and now she’s one of them.  Click HERE to read an excerpt.

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Book Three - Wolf on the Run

Expected Release: October 28, 2014

Blurb coming soon! HERE 

A little about N.J.

Once upon a time N.J. had the idea that she would like to quit her job at the bookstore, sell everything she owned, leave her hometown, and write romance novels in a place where no one knew her. And she did. Two years later, she went back to the bookstore and her hometown and settled in for another seven years.

One day she gave notice at her job on a Friday morning. On Sunday afternoon, she received a tentative acceptance for her first erotic romance novel, Annabelle Lee, and life would never be the same.

N.J. has always been a voracious reader, and now she spends her days writing novels of her own. Vampires, werewolves, dragons, time-travelers, seductive handymen, and next-door neighbors with smoldering good looks—all vie for her attention. It’s a tough life, but someone’s got to live it. 

N.J. Walters has an expansive catalog of work from which to choose. To learn more about her work, the following links will take you directly to her work: Website, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Samhain, All Romance, Kobo and Ellora's Cave 

She loves to hear from readers, so feel free to Email NJ and visit her on Facebook and Twitter  

Enjoy!  

Shelbie =)

Taken from Samhain Publishing
There is a reason for this...

Updates

Howdy everyone!

I know, it's been a while since I've hit the pages of my own blog, and while I promised to do better, so far I've failed. =( 

So, I have come to a decision, one that should make activity steam on my blog more regular, as well as keeping everyone updated.

As some, if not all, of you may know, I am part of a group of Authors called The Decadent Divas. Our goal in coming together was not only to support one another, and our work, but to introduce readers to other Authors. Writing can, and is, a lonesome profession at times; the days go by without so much as a hint of communication, other than written. Heck, there are times when, if I didn't see my daughter scramble down the hall, I would think I've dropped into an alternate reality!

So, back to The Decadent Divas...

Each of us has several days a month that are our times to blog. While I've always posted my blog interviews, I've never thought to bring them here, to my blog as well. 

For those of you who read both blogs, the postings will be duplicate for you. But for those who don't...

My thinking is that by bringing my DD postings here, not only will all of my blog followers have the opportunity to read them, but it will also keep me in touch with my blog, reminding me that I too have a blog and that I must write on it! =) Brilliant, right? He-he! =)

Now for the updates with my work...

Due to changes with (the Editor) I was working with, I have made the decision to re-edit Loving the CEO. There were simply too many changes for my liking and the story was, in my opinion, corrupted. LtC was originally written as a Contemporary Romance - during editing, this changed, along with many aspects of the story. I have made the painful decision to start from the first page, editing line-by-line, cutting out major areas (that didn't add to the progress of the story) and adding ones that did. Plus, I am currently dealing with a 130k MS and I want to get it below 100k. Cut, cut, cut!

In between editing Loving the CEO I am still plotting, planning and writing Rising Dragon. I can't wait for the moment when I am able to focus, one hundred percent, on this MS! I have so much going on in this story, I really think it will be one that readers will love - that is, I hope! =)

Also, in relation to work, after much trouble with my (new) PC, I decided to dump it and purchased a new, huge, Apple computer! It's my first time working on a Apple computer, so the change has been quite drastic, but I'm learning.

While I was at it, I decided to also purchase a Apple laptop. It was distracting enough learning a new system, but bouncing back and forth from PC to Apple? Yeah. Not.

On the home front...

The kids are home from school, or I should say one is. Our son graduated from high school and dove straight into the workforce. Money is an amazing instigator! We purchased his car, pay for his insurance, etc., but he decided he needed money to "trick it out." Little does he know yet, but if he can spend money "tricking" his car out, I've got an insurance bill here...

Our daughter finished her seventh grade with a bang! She's a smart one. Sadly, she can't seem to get over the desire to propagate my house with animals and, as I sit here writing this, her hamster cage just filled with God-only-knows how many babies! ARGH! I feel like ripping my hair out! But, hey, the good thing is that she is making a little business for herself, selling her hamsters. Good grief! What is it with our children and money?

Mr. Shelbie is working hard, as always, God Bless his heart. In September, we will celebrate twenty years of marriage. Holy *edited*! I can't decide if I should thank him for all of the wonderful years, or if I should fall to the ground and kiss his feet. LOL! Thinking that I've spent, oh twenty years married, then another six dating...wow. That equates to over half of my lifetime spent with this one man. Dang. He must be something special. =)

That's it for now! I hope everyone is having a beautiful summer and keep an eye out - blogs coming! 

My first DD blog/crossover will be introducing a new release by fellow Diva, Her Royal Hotness, Sabrina York. Watch my blog on July 23rd for the details on her new release!

Have a super week!

*hugs*

Shelbie =)

Announcements

Hello everyone!

I know it's been a while since I last checked in and during this time, much has happened.

After receiving the first round of edits back on Loving the CEO, I made the decision to do a complete re-write, as opposed to trying to edit. I am very fortunate, in that I've been blessed with a wonderful Editor whom provided me with a knowledge base I did not previously have. Needless to say, I believe I made the right choice.

Just yesterday, I returned Loving the CEO to my Editor for the second round of edits!

The original manuscript, after first edits, sat at just shy of 69k words. After re-writes, it now sits at 128k, if that gives you an idea of how much I added to the story. My characters simply were not happy with the shortened story and I found I couldn't explore their relationship in such a short word count. I know, maybe 69k isn't short for some people, but in this case, for me it was.

So, you ask what's next? 

Well, that's where the fun kicks in!

I am thrilled to announce that I was asked to join a wonderful group of Authors, working together towards a common cause getting our work out there for the masses to read!  

We are known as The Decadent Divas.

We have much planned in the future, so many exciting things to come, but for now, we have a blog, Facebook and Twitter up and running. Follow us to find out what's coming!

Now, you ask...who are these wonderful Authors?

Jennifer Kacey, Ditter Kellen, Cait Miller, Rebecca Royce, Chandra Ryan, Erin Simone, Sabrina York and Shelbie Knight. 

These are the ladies of The Decadent Divas!

If you are interested in following us, I will place the links below.

Now, for the updates on what's next for me; Rising Dragon is my next project with Ellora's Cave and I will return to writing it, starting tomorrow!

This will be my first paranormal with EC. I'm thrilled to return to what I really love, and have a passion for, writing - Paranormal.

Targeted word count for Rising Dragon is 80-100k.

That's it for now, but there is much to come!  

Remember, keep an eye out on my blog and The Decadent Divas for updates!!

The Decadent Divas FB:  https://www.facebook.com/decadent.divas

The Decadent Divas Twitter:  https://twitter.com/DecadentDivas

The Decadent Divas Blog:  http://thedecadentdivas.blogspot.com/

Have a super week!

*Hugs*

Shelbie  =)

It just amazes me that people will not stand ground when it's needed!!  I am so angry right now...I had to visit my blog, getting all the details out of my head, as writers are wont to do, but in short, I took my very sick cat to a local vet and received poor care.  They performed an x-ray on her, for whatever reason, long before blood work or other diagnostics.  The doctor told me to go home, wait for her call on the results of the x-ray.  Meanwhile, my cat was getting sicker and sicker by the minutes.

I called, telling the vet she was going downhill and fast, only to have them tell me to "wait for the radiologist report," which was supposed to be in by 5pm that day.  Well, the NEXT day there was still nothing and I had a cat who was so sick, she wouldn't even stand to use the box.

Instead of wait longer, watching my cat crash before me, my Mom and I started running searches of local animal hospitals, looking for one which was rated good.  I didn't want to put her through more tests than was necessary, or risk taking her to another quack.  Literally.  Perrinville Animal Hospital was the one we were referred to.

Upon first calling, I explained the situation, had a very sick cat, x-rays done at other clinic, getting worse, etc.  They told me to bring her in asap, which I did.  Upon exam, the vet at Perrinville told me (and my Mom who went with me for support, after all Mushy is my furry baby), she was very sick (obvious) and she was worried about her not eating especially.  

Apparently, fat cats (yes, she's fluffy) when ill and stop eating, can go into a syndrome known as "fatty liver syndrome."  New one on me.  Never knew.  After discussing her treatment plan with Dr. Rehberger, I specifically asked her if she would have selected to perform an x-ray in this case.  She told me - point blank - she saw "no reason to perform an x-ray."  Instead, she did (what I thought would have been routine) blood work, fluids, etc. 

Now, to current, the first clinic is sending me a huge radiologist bill, and I am disputing it through my bank. My bank needs a letter from Dr. Rehberger stating she would not have selected x-ray as a first-line treatment...would she?  

Nope.  I wasn't asking anything extreme of her - simply her medical opinion.  Would you have performed an x-ray in this case?  Of course, she wouldn't even call me personally to tell me, but had her office staff make the call.  It's great to be wonderful to animals, but what about people? I've just had it with people's unwillingness to stand up for what's right.

I understand a vet not wanting to be pit against another, after all the whole price-fixed system works for a reason, but I wasn't asking this.  I was asking for a basic letter, to my BANK (not even listing the name of the other vet) stating she would not have chose x-ray for my putty-tats treatment.

Worse?  She passed along, through her office staff, that she didn't even remember me mentioning another clinic, an x-ray, etc.  Way to try and back out of it completely.  Funny how she didn't "remember" anything about their being another clinic, or an x-ray performed there, yet she wouldn't write a simple letter of treatment for me?  Hmmm.  Seems strange to have a problem, writing a letter saying "No, I would not have used x-ray as part of this feline's treatment program."  Doesn't it?

I am so tired of the whole, damned thing!  People out there want others to stand in their corner, stand for what is JUST AND RIGHT, but they are not willing to do the same.  How, can the world we live in, possibly improve when people treat others as nothing more than an object?  Something to take what you need from, but never to give.

Fortunately for me, I kept all of her original paperwork, including the original proposed treatment plan she gave me, which had no where on it the words X-RAY.  So, she doesn't want to stand up for what's right?  Fine.  I will use her treatment plan.  After all, wouldn't you say if she had planned, or thought an x-ray was part of a normal treatment plan, that she would have put it on the proposed treatment plan?  But, guess what?  It's not there!

Sadly, my opinion of the clinic has now changed.  While they did wonderful with my cat, they failed on all fronts with the people.  I need someone who can do both.  Maybe I am asking too much?  Maybe there isn't the magic, wonderful vet out there who can work with both animals and people successfully?  

I am reminded of what one of my best friends told me, when our daughter's were in Kindergarten...the teachers are so incredible, dealing with these young children, but when they have a parent in front of them, having to work with them one-on-one, SOME of them simply crash and burn.  They have become so accustomed to dealing with one specific subset, they cannot transition to another.

Is that the case here?  I am saddened so, because we had a wonderful vet.  We trusted his care and he was great dealing with us of the two-legged variety as well.  That was another lovely surprise I had when taking my cat to the first clinic.  I didn't find out it had been 1)sold 2)changed completely 3)prices raised 4)completely different vet until I walked in the damned door.  

Now you tell me?  Bait and switch?  They still answered the phone (the old clinic's) name...until I made a comment on them baiting people in...the next call I placed to them (2 hours later seeking friggen x-ray reports), they were suddenly answering the phone using their new name.

Now, Perrinville Animal Hospital has lost my faith in honesty as well.  After all, if it is more important for the doctor to NOT write the letter for me, thus helping the other clinic, what does this say to me about where their priorities lay?  Money.  

I know people...we all need money, but honestly forsaken for money?  I have NO respect for anyone who would forsake their honor for a dollar.  NONE.

Jesus people!  Be honest!  Stand for what's right, not just what will save your ass!

Thanks for reading my rant!  I was just so damned pissed, I had to have an outlet.  Plus, there was no way I was getting back to work on my novel with this rattling around in my head.  Here I am, writing a novel about alpha-dragons and all I can think of are fluffy, notice I said fluffy, not fat, putty tats.  =)

Notice to business' out there - social media is a monster of a tool, whether it be used for positive, or negative means.  Take it seriously.  If you listen to your customers, the consumers, who keep you in business to begin with, you will never meet the wrath of a pissed off blogger!

In ending, I am thankful for many things, one of which comes to mind in this situation - I can honestly say I have never intentionally let someone down who needed/sought out my assistance.  

Can you say the same?  

Sadly, I've learned, not many can.

Hello everyone!

News, news, news...well, let's see here.  I will be quick and short today, as I have a deadline on time...but here is where the status stands with my current work.

Loving the CEO was completed (YEAH!) and turned in to my Editor on September 15th with a word count of 68,653.  Due to some delays, I am not expecting first edits back for another couple of weeks, but I am thrilled!  I am hoping to have everything done, ready to go for publishing, by the end of December.  Crossing my fingers for sooner...but you know how that goes...out of my hands.  I am also excited to have a cover design in the making, and hopefully soon, available for everyone!

Of course, once Loving the CEO was done, I went right into my next project, Rising Dragon.  I am just as excited about this novel, as this will be another first - my first supernatural!  I have a target word count of 80-100k, but knowing me...yeah, let's just say I hope to stay under 100k.  My deadline for Rising Dragon is January 15th, but I hope to have it completed, and to my Editor, by the end of December.  I have so much occurring from the end of December through mid-January...

My current word count is 28.080 as of today, this minute!  It's coming along, but has taken me a bit longer than normal as I had to basically start over.

What do I mean by start over?  Well, here's what happened, in time sequence.  When I first set out to dedicate myself full-time to writing, I started with Rising Dragon.  Then, along came a spider who offered me a place in their Anthology for a Contemporary Romance piece.  Of course, I put aside Rising Dragon and began work on Loving the CEO.  

Unfortunately, I learned (and quickly) that I simply cannot write a 5k story, which was the max for the Anthology, so I scrapped the idea of joining.  But, by that time, I was so into Loving the CEO, I had to finish.  

As I was working on Loving the CEO, I received contact from Tina Engler (aka Jaid Black), CEO of Ellora's Cave, asking for a sample of my writing.  Well...since I was well into Loving the CEO, I tightened up the first ten pages and sent them off to her...with a prayer in the wind.

A week later, I received an acceptance from Tina, as well as an offer for a five-book contract!  Whoop!  So, I contracted Loving the CEO, Rising Dragon, and three others.  I know...I said I would make this short, but see what I mean about keeping under 100k?  My brain thinks small, but loves the danged words...the more the better!

Okay, so back around full circle.  Since Loving the CEO was the writing sample I sent to Tina, I contracted it with Ellora's Cave, finished writing it and away she went to my lovely Editor, Kelli Collins.

Right about the time of my deadline for Loving the CEO, Kelli was reverting in her role from EIC to Chief Editor, as well as undertaking a huge move.  Thus the delay.

Now, back to Rising Dragon...in the process of writing Loving the CEO, I learned a lot about my writing style.  A huge amount (and I haven't even received first edits back, which I know I will learn more each time).  So, when I picked up Rising Dragon, which I had to 25k when I originally put it aside and started reading over it...yeah.

So, I started from word one, page one, going over each of the 25k words, the sentences, the paragraphs, the story structure, the character introduction and development, etc.  Everything you do to write a novel.  If I had not done this, I would likely almost be done with Rising Dragon, however I wanted this, my first supernatural, to be as tight as I could get it.

As I read through, correcting this and that, changing an area here, a character action there, I found a lot of areas where there were items I just didn't like - I didn't like the flow, the direction, etc.  Thus, why it has taken me so long to get where I am now.  Plus...I forgot to mention...after I turned in Loving the CEO, I took a wee break (of three weeks) before I even sat down to Rising Dragon!

I imagine, if I was a chicka with no kiddos, my writing would be so much faster.  After all, no disruptions...yeah, but not in my house.

In ending, thank you all for your support!  I am hard at work on Rising Dragon, waiting for returned edits on Loving the CEO and have much more in the future planned!  =)

I wish each of you a wonderful day, a beautiful week and I hope, whatever your dreams and goals may be, you achieve each of them.

Hugs,

Shelbie  =)

Hello everyone!!

I just wanted to pop on and say "HI!" to everyone.  I know it's been a while since my last blog post, and I apologize for this and will try to do better in the future.

The last few weeks have been very busy ones for me.  I went on vacation to the ocean with my family, which I loved even though I ended up dog sick...ugh.  On top of that, the next day after returning home, my kids started school. Of course, I had to be terribly sick during all of this.  *feeling sorry for myself*  =(

Also exciting, and nerve-wracking as heck, is my first deadline looms ahead...September 15th.  Naturally, I have been working like crazy trying to wrap up the story.  Yes, you heard...wrap.  My characters seem to have another idea, as the story wants to continue, so I will have to find a good place and call "Cut!"  Hopefully, if it is well-received, I will have the option of continuing Richard and Samantha's story.

Once I get the story part done, then it's edit, edit, edit and having a critique read before I send it off to my Editor, Kelli Collins.  I have only a week left to get all this done, so needless to say, this week will be balls-to-the-wall work.  That's okay with me.  I do some of my best work under pressure - as I am sure many Authors do.  

My biggest hope is that when all is said and done, you the reader, will love my work.  I hope I am able to write characters you can empathize and bond with.  That I can write scenes which you can visualize and live through.  In the end, I hope to have taken you on a journey with me.  One which you will want to come back to time and time again.

Well, it's time for me to get back to work!  This will be my first published piece and I am determined to do my best - for you.

I wish you all the best.  I hope you have a wonderful week ahead and that you are successful at whatever you set your mind to.  Never give up is my motto.  Work hard at that which you desire and your desires will become reality.

Best Wishes *big hugs*

Shelbie  =)

CONTRACTS SIGNED!!!

After a long wait of wanting to announce it to the world, I am thrilled to finally be able to announce I have signed a five-book contract with Ellora's Cave!!!  

This is a dream come true for me!  Years of reading work from wonderful Authors, published by Ellora's Cave, I have wished to be a part of such a great group.  Now I am!!  YEAH!!

I was thrilled by the response I received from publishers, having several contracts offered.  I would like to thank all those who offered me opportunities; I have already written each of you personally, but wanted to say it here as well.  I was honored to have such a wonderful response in the publishing community.  Since the offers made to me have remained open, depending on my obligations to Ellora's Cave, I may consider them in the future.  One day at a time...one obligation at a time...one Novel at a time. I need to get into my groove, to see what I am capable of producing, before I consider more obligations.  What is important to me is taking the time to produce excellent work, not rushing to produce quantity.

I do not have publication dates yet, but as the process moves along I will keep everyone up to date.  I am currently working on a Contemporary Romance Novella, which has a set deadline of September 2013. After this project is completed, I have two Paranormal Romance Novels planned.  I have not yet decided what to do with the remaining two books of my contract, but as I go along it will become clearer.  I have the option of creating two more stand-alone Novels, or even continuing one previous Novel into a series....decisions, decisions....

For now, the following is planned with Ellora's Cave:  Title (the genre/EC line) approx word count and deadline.

• Loving the CEO (Contemporary Romance/Romantica) 25-30k (possibly larger) September 2013

• Rising Dragon (Paranormal Romance/Twilight) 80-100k January 2014

• Corrupted (Paranormal Romance/Twilight) 80-100k June 2014

• TBD for books four and five

Obviously, the dates listed are my deadline; editing, cover design and publishing afterwards.  Since this will be a first for me writing with a deadline, I am anxious to see how it goes.  As well, I am aiming to have the work to my Editor before these dates, but decided it was safest to allow for more time until I see the time it takes me. 

I cannot explain how thrilled I am and how difficult it has been for me to keep from announcing this wonderful news!!  The offer was made to me months ago, and I have been writing during the contract phase, so no time lost.  =)

I am also thrilled to announce that my Editor will be Kelli Collins!  I am confident, with her talent and knowledge, we will create something which readers will enjoy.

I would like to personally thank Jaid Black, for without her, I would not have this opportunity.  No matter the direction my career goes, I will always remember and thank Jaid for her place in starting it.  Thank you Jaid.  Your confidence means the world to me.

I would also like to thank all of you who have been a wonderful support to me over the last several months.  I have gained an immense amount of knowledge through this process, and thanks to the wonderful Authors, many of whom I count as friends, you too have helped in my journey.  I have met some absolutely amazing people and I am thankful to have each and every one of you in my life.

So, here goes nothing, hu?  Now, the ball is in my court, and I have the huge responsibility of creating a story which is engaging, characters you love to hate and hate to love, contained in a world you believe is real.  No small task, but one I am confident I have the ability to achieve. 

Thanks so much to everyone who has offered words of encouragement, advice, a shoulder of support, or even ears open, even though you probably got so tired of listening to me!!  

I would like to thank Rae Monet www.raemonetinc.com for her assistance - not only in designing my wonderful website www.shelbieknight.com but for her friendship.  I couldn't possibly have met a more wonderful person than Rae.  *big hugs*

As I write this, it sounds like I am writing a damned speech for receiving an award....I swear, this is not the purpose.  Ha-ha!  But, I have to thank my family as well.  Without their support none of this would be possible.  

My Husband is my rock - and always there to support me in whatever dream I decide to chase.  Married for almost twenty years now, together for almost 25, I am amazed he has put up with me....but what can I say, it was love at first sight, so he had no choice!  Ha-ha!  =)  I love you.  

My children, they are the two best kiddos any Mum could possibly wish for.  My Son is growing into a charming young man, capable, responsible and helps his Mum out all the time.  I am so very proud of him.  My Daughter, she's a little hellion (in a good way), although her little stunt on our trampoline has cost me an endless amount of grief (and medical bills) with a grade three sprain, and who knows how much ligament damage.  Aaahh...you would think my son would be the one breaking this and spraining that....nope.  That honor belongs to my hellion of a daughter!!  

My children are my life.  I love and care for them above and beyond any other.  They both support their Mum in her dream as well, even putting up with a "don't talk to me when I'm typing!  You mess me up!"  As the regular thing Mom says!

Last, but never least, I have to thank my own Mum.  Without her, I would be nothing - literally.  She is the one, who from the very start of my life, taught me to not take less than I deserved.  She instilled in me a desire to chase my dreams, no matter the work it took to achieve them.  She is my endless support system.  Always there, always with a smile on her face and her arms open for a hug.  I love you dearly Mummers!

Here we go.....the start of a new journey.  Thank you for your support and for playing a part of this most exciting time in my life!!  =)

Big Hugs,

Shelbie  =)