Fate's Hand: Book One of The Celtic Prophecy (20 page)

Acknowledgements

Artistic license was used in choosing the gods featured in this novel. While they are all Celtic, they are not from the same country of origin. This was intentional to further diversify names. A list of the gods and their specific origins can be found in the glossary.

There is not much written history on the Druids, so the practices and the clerical hierarchy mentioned here were greatly bolstered by my own imagination. I feel it is important to note that my use of the term acolyte, and its relatives: student, novice, and initiate, are used to describe a lengthy apprenticeship; one that will be explored in greater depth in The Reliquary’s Choice: Book Two of the Celtic Prophecy. The term Shaman, though typically understood as originating from another culture, is the correct term to be used here to describe Alexander Sinclair’s religious office. Shamanism spans many different cultures and religions, and is thought by some to even predate the Druids.

I would like to acknowledge the anonymous aid I received from the Irish Translation Forum on the Irish Gaelic Translator website. Their translations lend a nuanced authenticity to this novel. The responsibility for any incorrect usage or phrasing falls to me.

While the list of those who supported and encouraged me during the process of writing this novel is long, a special acknowledgement needs to be made to my friend and fellow author, K.W. Penndorf. Without the numerous motivating discussions about plot points, writer’s block, and genre issues; the last of which still plague me, Fate’s Hand would not have materialized.

Lastly, I would like to acknowledge my family, starting with my husband, Donald Andrew Macfie Jr., whose patience never faltered during the years I worked on this project. He never complained about the hours I would dedicate to writing, particularly at the end when the writing dominated my life insomuch as foregoing sleep. My daughter, Elizabeth, who would listen to me read my newest chapters for hours over the phone when she was away at college. My son, Donald, who was ever so patient with answering endless questions on the male point of view even if it made him uncomfortable. Thank you for your love and support. Please know that you are the first in my thoughts as I wake, and the last as I lay my head on the pillow at night—always.

About the Author

For most of her life, Melissa Macfie has pursued artistic endeavors such as drawing, painting, and sculpting. She holds a M.Ed. in English Education from the Graduate School of Education at Rutgers University, and has spent the last sixteen years as a public school English teacher. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, Donald. Their children, Elizabeth and Donald, are grown and pursuing their own dreams.