Muse Unexpected (30 page)

The journey from idea to finished work has been over five years for
Muse, Unexpected
and I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge all of those individuals who supported me along the way.

To my publishers, Stephanie Murray and Marlene Castricato with Crescent Moon Press. Thank you for believing in Sophie’s story and the crazy world I’ve created.

To the Crescent Moon Press family of authors. Your advice and friendship has been invaluable to me.

To my editor, Kerri Nelson. Thank you for your patience and for leaving me only slightly bloodied.

To Grace and Christine Day. Two Muses who never cease to inspire me.

To Reverend and Mrs. Charles Frederick. You’ve given me so much. I would need several lifetimes to thank you correctly.

Uncle Steven, for the last time, Olive will not do Spider-pig. Now stop asking.

Special thanks to the first person who ever said, “I love it”—Paula Friedrich, your love and support has meant the world to me.

You supported and pushed me. I love you, Aunt Maryann.

To my two youngest tween test readers, Sarah Thieken and Abigail Neibert, thank you, now go do your homework.

To the many supporters, whose continued belief and support were greatly appreciated. Thank you: Alice Patterson, Angie and Troy Halstead, Bev and Howard Hickman, Carolyn and Bob Hayzlett, Charley and Michelle Maghes, Chris and Milissa Ettrich, Colleen and Steve Andrasko, Dan and Melissa Parker, Danny and Marybeth Pierce, Deb Corder, Estelle Wallace, Frances Gagne, James Meyer, Jane Gilbert, Jean Herr, Jeannie Andrews, Jill Cottone, Karen and Steve McDaniel, Kelley Bright, Kirk & Jan Hilliard, Laura Dutton, Laura Gunn, Laurie Barr, Layne Ogden, Mark and Dennis Velco, Matt, Lorena, Max and Sophia Ritchey, Michael Casey, Michael Box, Michelle Umali, Rhonda, Joe, Josh and Rachel Weithman, and Susan Van Kley.

V.C. Birlidis grew up in Miami, Florida, but now calls Columbus, Ohio and its many seasons home. He earned degrees at Capital University and North Central State College. When he’s not dabbling in the world of Muses, he works for the award-winning agency, SBC Advertising, as the Director of Marketing. This is his first novel. Visit him on the web at: www.vcbirlidis.com or on
Facebook at www.facebook.com/vcbirlidis.