Tempered by Love

Chapter 42 Autor's Note

A year and a half ago, I set out to tell the story of a newly formed man, created and then abandoned. How would he feel, how angry would he be, and how would he even learn to live? Along the way, I have met some truly awesome people, that was something I never expected. Because I've met them, Daniel became so much more. Carol Gregory taught me British slang, and Kerry Walker taught me the Scottish that gave Daniel a real personality. Diane Bain taught me Rose and because she did, Rose grew up. It took her a bit, but in the end she made it. When I made the decision to divide Daniel's Story into three separate books, she helped with the titles and finding someone to make the covers. How do I show my appreciation for all of that and not sound mushy? Thank you doesn't cover it, but it's all I have.

Half way through the re-write of Born of Fire, I met two more incredible people and if it weren't for them I would have probably quit. Arlene Bradley beta-read every single word of all three books. She found all those pesky missing words and when something was awful she would say, 'it's good.' It was a such a kind way of saying 'this sucks eggs.' And then I met Amanda Reed who offered to edit all my other goofs and pointed out better ways to turn a phrase or explain a term -- like tablet. To us Americans, it's a writing implement. In Scotland, it's candy. Amanda has edited all of the last 2 books and half of Born of Fire. The three of us have made one helluva team. I have no words that can ever properly express how much these people have come to mean to me. Arlene and Diane are like sisters and I have adopted Carol and Amanda as my kids.

To every person who has read Daniel's Story -- thank you. Thank you for letting him into your hearts and thank you for seeing him as more than a copy of someone else's character. Thank you to my real life cousin for letting her daughter inspire Nora and thank you to my own Michael for reminding me that kids with learning differences are so much more than their label. I hope you will come back and read Daniel's Story again, and I hope you will tell others about him.

And David Tennant, I know you will never read this, but if by some miracle you might -- I hope I did you proud. Because of you, I have met some truly wonderful people who have enriched my life in ways I never thought possible.

Until our next adventure through time and space -- Onwards.