There have been so many who have helped me along the way, I thought I'd take time here to mention a few.
First, there is my family: my husband Dan, and our two children Jack and Kerry who never waivered in their belief in me. To my mother, Rosalyn, who taught me how to be strong. And to our dog Max, who is a very skilled critic.
Sandpiper Creations, Inc., gave me my first break as a game writer and developer.
Joan Foley Baier requested my work for her midgrade novel: Luvella's Promise.
The Village of Fairport NY hired me to create the centerpiece for the
town -- "Sal," a "carved wood" statue of a packet boat mule, which stands proudly on Main Street Fairport alongside the Village Hall.
So many people have encouraged me, especially my dear friends, that I cannot name you all. Please know, if you are reading this, that I realize fully how you cheered for me, or directed me, or gave me feedback. I am grateful.
And to you, Marsha Hayles, for taking a kazillion photos of me to get one or two "keepers," and then for wording and creating my flier, I am more than grateful.
I am so very lucky to belong to two wonderful critique groups:
"Pb Jam": this picture book critique group includes: Alice DeLaCroix, Marsha Hayles, Robin Pulver(website), and Ellen Stoll Walsh.
"W W W": this critique group includes: MJ Auch(website), Alice DeLaCroix, Marsha Hayles and Vivian VandeVelde(website).
There is also a wonderful children's writer's group that meets monthly in my city. Thank you to Carol Johmann(website), our President and Newsletter Editor; Becky Sprague and Barbara Underhill, Treasurer; Laura Camaione, Editor, RACWI Reports; Cynthia Iannaccone, Illustrator Coordinator; Roxane Chadwick, Community Liaison; Linda Sue Park, SCBWI Liaison
And special thanks to Stephen Mooser, President, and Lin Oliver, executive Director, for spearheading the international organization, the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)(website). All writers should join the national organization associated with the genre for which they write. You will be treated to loads of information, invitations to seminars, workshops and conferences, and you'll be able to network, a very important part of being a freelancer.
And last, thank you to Jen Beaven(website) for creating this fantastic website.