Acknowledgments

First and foremost, I’d like to thank my devoted fiancé, CJ, for continuously encouraging me to write, for providing brilliant suggestions during the editing process, and for rescuing me from having to do the technical part of publishing. She introduced me to Jami Carpenter, who took care of all the formatting, uploading the manuscript, and getting it out there to the world. Without these two women, I’d be hairless … I surely would have pulled it all out.

 I can’t thank my family and friends enough for spreading the word about my books, for your moral support, and for agreeing to the painful process of reading my first unedited manuscript; special thanks to my BFF Lisa Ensley and John Sword for enduring the suffering.

 One of the main characters in this story has paranoid schizophrenia. I wanted to understand what it felt like to have a disease of the mind. As I searched for information, I stumbled upon the true story of an amazing woman, Elyn Saks. I reached out to her, and much to my surprise, she agreed to an interview. Our discussion gave me insight into what it felt like to be a person with paranoid schizophrenia, which I’m hoping comes through in this story. I’m thankful for the connection with Elyn.

 Thank you to Keoki Kerr, investigative reporter, for helping me to create a realistic response from the reporter in the story.

 I appreciate Michelle Callahan for getting me access to the military base in order to create an accurate story world.

 Thank you to Seema Mahanian, who completed the first round of edits. I appreciate your thoughtful suggestions which took my story to a whole new level.

 I am also grateful to Robin Burton Gates, who nailed the book cover I had envisioned. You are a creative mastermind.

 Last, but certainly not least, thank you to my parents. I was blessed with two dads, my birthfather and my stepfather, and with a mom who gave me the gifts of imagination and storytelling. This is bittersweet after the loss of my mother in July 2021. I know she is looking down on me from heaven right now, channeling through my stories, and cheering me on. I love you, Mom, and not a day goes by that I don’t think of you and remember our good times.

 List of Contributors

 Robin Burton for the cover design of Bluebirds Don’t Cry.

Jami Carpenter, Redpengirl, for publication support.

Morgan Richie Consulting for the website design and creation.

Gigi Lee Photography for the portrait photographs.