As I sit here and contemplate the dedication for my book, I think about all the love and support I have received while working on this project.
It has been an exciting journey of creating something that will be lasting and impactful for years. As I worked up the courage to tell those around me, I was pleasantly surprised by the kindness and excitement I received. It just proved that I have filled my world with people that genuinely care about me (just so you all know the feeling is mutual).
The first person I told of my crazy idea to is Kiel, my incredible husband. Naturally, this is the person most people would test an idea on when they think of something. Kiel is used to me coming to him with things I want to try. He is always supportive. He was even more on board than his usual “Give it a go.” This gave me the courage to start the process of writing. He has always enjoyed The Birthday Fairy family tradition I brought with me when he married me. I am blessed to have Kiel in my life and I couldn’t imagine my life without him. His love and support make so many things possible. I thank God for him every day.
Next, it was time to tell our girls. They were excited! They love watching us try new things and explore the world with them. Even when things don’t go as planned, I make sure they see that as well. I want them to understand that it is alright to fail. As long as you learn and grow from your past experiences it is not truly a failure. Sometimes you need to put yourself out there in the world and see what happens. With the support of my beautiful, smart, and kind daughters I felt empowered to move forward.
With that, I told the next people in my life that I knew would also support my hopes and dreams…my parents. Given the fact that this tradition began in my home as a child, I thought it would only be fitting to receive my parent's blessing. Not only did they give me their blessing but they played an integral role in the creation of Fairy-Tailed. They assisted as a beta reader and helped with critiquing the illustrations as well. I truly could not have completed this project without their support.
My sisters, Angie and Tiffany, who were lucky enough to experience the joys of growing up with the Birthday Fairy loved the idea. They continued to check in with me about my progress. I asked their opinion about things along the way and appreciated their input. Having sisters is special, having sisters that are also friends fills my heart with more love than words can say.
Slowly I inched forward writing and revising the story to get it to be something I would be proud to put out into the world. Something that children would love and parents wouldn’t hate to read. A story that would capture the imagination and spark joy into the hearts of children as they open their eyes on their birthdays as I did as a child. All this in under 600 words. Yikes! It seemed like a daunting task.
As the reality set in and I began looking for an illustrator I slowly began telling friends. Nervous at first to spill the beans about what I felt was a hidden secret I was keeping. After all, I was a Real Estate Agent. I didn’t want them to think I was completely switching careers. I didn’t want them to think I couldn’t do it. Along with a thousand other thoughts that crossed my mind. I pushed them all down and reminded myself that these are my friends. I always support their hopes and dreams and they will support yours. And guess what? They did. Everyone I told was happy for me. More than happy…they were excited! So, thank you all. I appreciate and love you for your support and kindness.
I would like to offer an additional thank you to Amanda for taking the time out of your busy teaching schedule to read it over for errors. You are amazing. Those children are lucky to have you, and I am lucky to have you as a friend.
Also, a special thank you to Sarah Roberts. Thank you for the time you took to sit down with me for coffee and look over my writing. Your assistance took the story to the next level and your advice was priceless. Please take the time to click on the link in Sarah’s name and check out her website. She is one of the members of my critique group that I have come to love along with Nancy Riley and June Carolus.
I am not sure what the future holds for this story. I hope to sell a few copies and brighten a few lives. Either way, I sure had fun on this journey. Thank you all for your love and support. I truly could not have done it without each and every one of you. Even if you just took the time to listen to me tell you that I am writing a story, I appreciate you. Letting me show you the first picture of the fairies, made my heart happy. You all encouraged me in little and big ways and I hope I can return the favor in life.
Bless you all,
Megan
