Darkness & Shadows (42 page)

For that, I rely on two things. One is my mind, and the other is the input and inspiration I receive from others. Both are equally important, and the book you’ve just read would not exist otherwise. Having said that, I’m forever grateful (and humbled) to the people who surround me.

To Kelley Eskridge, my friend, coach, mentor, confidant, and occasional writing therapist: You inspire me in more ways and on more levels than I could ever mention here. Your limitless and spot-on wisdom about writing astounds me, and you give it so selflessly. I feel grateful, proud, and privileged to know you.

My agent, Scott Miller, at Trident Media Group in New York, who believed in my work and followed through with his promise to take my career to the next level, ultimately leading me to the wonderful world of Amazon Publishing. Going from indie to
mainstream has been a challenging transition for me, but you have been the consistent voice of reason, and your guidance is truly valued. You’re the kind of agent every author hopes for but doesn’t always find.

Alan Turkus, my editor at Thomas & Mercer. From day one, and every step of the way since, you have been a delight to work with. Your enthusiasm and excitement over my books have never faltered, and your willingness to make me an active participant in my publishing process has earned my utmost respect. You’ve demonstrated in a masterful and exemplary way what a successful author/publisher relationship should be like, and I’m beyond grateful for that.

To my developmental editor, Alison Dasho, who helped me step up my creative process and craft a novel I can truly be proud of. Our work together seemed effortless and seamless—those are the marks of a rewarding, balanced, and effective editing relationship, and those are exactly what we shared.

Special thanks to the wonderful people at Kindle Direct Publishing who held the door open for me after countless others held it closed. Make no mistake: I would not be where I am today had it not been for you. Other self-publishing platforms have sprung up through the years, but there is simply none that has done it as well or as competently. You haven’t just set the standard—you
are
the standard. You’ve changed how publishing is done, and I’m grateful to you.

On the technical side, great thanks to the people who have shared their knowledge and experience so that I could create a credible and believable story. Any inconsistencies or errors in this novel are my own.

Thanks to forensic expert and author Tom Adair, who patiently answered my numerous (and likely tedious) calls about the ins and outs of criminal investigations, forensics, and how the lawless think and act. Your knowledge was instrumental in helping me write a believable story.

ER nurse and author Jordyn Redwood: Thank you for fielding my numerous calls and doing it with the patience of a saint. You helped me to better understand hospitals and the remarkable people who work in them to save lives every day. Your knowledge about severe head injuries and comatose patients was crucial in writing Tristan’s struggle.

Dana Lerner, LCSW, for lending your expertise and knowledge so I could examine and advance Patrick’s psychological and emotional journey. Your insights into psychotherapy helped bring Dr. Ready to life in a credible and inspiring manner.

Retired firefighter Ronald Lee for your valuable information about fire—what it can do, what it can’t, along with informative and helpful insights into arson and burn victims. Firefighters are truly the unsung heroes of our day, and I know that now better than ever.

To my author friends (in no particular order): partner in crime, neighbor, and pretend little sister, Michele Scott. I’m so grateful our paths have crossed. This was simply meant to be, and your friendship means more than I could ever put into words.

To Jessica Park: you are a one of a kind, and there’s no other way I’d rather have you. You breathe fresh air into my life every single day. Your humor and genuine character have kept me sane in an otherwise insane world.

Linda Boulanger, who through the years has been my sounding board, formatter, unofficial personal assistant, and keeper of files—but most importantly, you have been a true and honest friend.

To my second family, the Rickrodes: Kay, Paul, and Deanna, who have been there to take care of me during the most difficult of times and who consistently do so without any hesitation or second thought. It’s rare to find unconditional kindness and love, and I’m so grateful for yours.

To my beta readers, Linda Boulanger, Kyle Myer, Deanna Rickrode, and Barb Lawrence. Your time, insight, and impressions
have not for one second gone unnoticed. Thank you for helping me shape this novel.

To my biggest fan, my mother, who passed away before she could see my dream of becoming an author happen and who I think about every day: I dedicated my first self-published book to her because she never stopped believing in me, so it seems appropriate to dedicate my first traditionally published work to her as well. Having said that, I’d be remiss if I didn’t also include my father who has watched out and cared for me from the moment I stepped into this world. Mom and Dad, this one’s for you.

Last, but certainly by no means least, to my readers: thank you for giving me a place to tell my stories and for the heartfelt encouragement and enthusiasm you offer. You inspire me to be my best, and I feel so privileged that you choose to read my books. It’s a true honor to write them for you.

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Andrew E. Kaufman is a journalist-turned-author living in Southern California, along with his Labrador retrievers, two horses, and a very bossy Jack Russell terrier who thinks she owns the place.

His debut novel,
While the Savage Sleeps
, a forensic paranormal thriller, broke out on four of Amazon’s bestsellers lists, taking the number one spot on two of them and third place on the much-coveted Movers and Shakers list. The book also dominated six of Amazon’s Top-Rated lists. His next novel,
The Lion, the Lamb, the Hunted,
was on Amazon’s Top 100 for more than one hundred days becoming its seventh bestselling title out of more than one million e-books available nationwide and number one in its genre. Andrew was also a writer for
Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Cancer Book
(Simon & Schuster, 2009), where he chronicled his battle with the disease.

After receiving his journalism and political science degrees at San Diego State University, Andrew began his writing career as an Emmy-nominated writer/producer, working at the CBS affiliate in San Diego, then in Los Angeles. For more than ten years, he produced special series and covered many nationally known cases, including the O.J. Simpson trial.

For more on Andrew and his work, please visit his website at:
http://www.andrewekaufman.com
or follow him on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001249143819&ref=tn_tnmn