Aelburn (WATTY'S 2020)

.dedications.

There are so many people I want to thank for supporting me on this journey that I decided to create a separate part to acknowledge all of them.

First and foremost, this book is dedicated to my mom. Thank you for sitting through hours of lost inspiration, self doubt and desperate need for support. Mom, you raised me to be the woman I am and I am forever grateful that I have you as my greatest supporter. I love you.

To my grandma and grandpa, my grandma did whatever she could to be able to read my book, despite not liking to read electronic formats. My grandpa, though never having read this book, always gave me a hug, a smile or a word of advice when I needed it. He always tells me he will be buying a copy to read, even though he hasn't read a book in 30-40 years. I decided to name Guen's son Ben after him and I am content aware that I am one of the lucky ones to still have my grandparents in my life.

To my best friends, Anastin and Shyanna. One of you was here for the entire journey. The other supported me from the sidelines without my knowledge when we didn't speak for months. Both of you continue to make me the best person I can be and constantly make me challenge myself. You both inspire me daily and I am eternally gratefully. I've you forced you both to read or listen everything I write and you both put up with my anxiety ridden self when I doubt my ability to become an author. I love you, best friendssss.

To my Uncle Dave Purdy, who lost the war he fought within him self on November 25th, 2018. You always made me feel so loved and appreciated though distance always separated us, you made a point to ask about my writing. I only wish you could read Aelburn. I did it, Uncle Dave. I hope I made you proud.

To Clint, who inspires me to push myself to my limits, to find true happiness and to never stop following my heart. Thanks for being the biggest pain in my ass and thank you for stepping up for me when my Dad didn't. You're the best.

To faeriedreams . You were my first commenter on the second draft of Aelburn. I will always cherish your friendship and your works.

To caeprint . From my favorite Nalu writer, to my favorite writer, to my friend. We haven't spoken in a while but you undoubtedly inspired me to finish Aelburn. Every time I have your novel and people ask what I'm reading, I'm always so stoked to say 'this is my friends book! She self published it!'. Thank you for being a friend I could turn to all these years.

This book is dedicated to my tenth and eleventh grade English teachers, Mr. Hobson and Ms. McIntyre.

And, finally, this book is dedicated to my little sister, Rhealyn. She is the biggest rock I have in this world and is the number one reason I still reside on this earth. Without her, I doubt Aelburn would have been more than character names and a vague premise.

Thank you again.

-Daricca "DK" Kelly.