Whisper Me This(106)

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This book grew out of a discussion the Viking and I were having about an acquaintance who is trapped in an abusive relationship. The Viking asked this question: What does it take for somebody to get free from something like that? Is it a flash of inspiration? A sudden knowing? An event? What?

Right then and there, the seed for Whisper Me This was planted.

Only the book wasn’t called Whisper Me This. In fact, it was still being referred to as That Book That Still Doesn’t Have a Title when I turned it in. The lyrics for the little song “Whisper Me This” came to me while I was mulling comments from Jodi, who is the crème de la crème of editors, and I knew at once that this would be the title of the novel.

My son Brandon took the magic further by writing music to go with the “Whisper Me This” lyrics and sang them to me at my release party for my previous book, I Wish You Happy. This is one of the most beautiful gifts I have ever received.

I had so much help along the way in other departments, as well. So much gratitude to my critique partner, Susan Spann, for reading and giving valuable feedback, and again to the Viking for providing the all-important continuity read.

Thanks to orthopedic surgeon Dr. William MaGee for answering my questions about the ins and outs of the forensic dating of healed fractures, to Adult Protective Services worker Monty Jones for helping me work out the details of Walter’s legal situation, and to Chuck Harrelson for talking to me about firefighter protocols.

Last, a resounding and heartfelt thank-you to the many good men in my life, beginning with my father and my brother. Because of you, I grew up without ever knowing what it was to fear a man because I was a woman. I’m only just beginning to realize what an exceptional gift that is.