It’s hard to believe it’s already been a week since my last blog post!
Time really does fly when you’re chasing a dream. But today, I want to slow down for a moment and reflect on something far more important than word counts, deadlines, or even book releases—the incredible people who have walked beside me and made this journey possible.
Writing can feel like a solitary road at times, but I’ve never truly traveled it alone. There have been so many voices of encouragement, hands lifting me up, and hearts cheering me on when I doubted myself. Today, I want to take a moment to thank some truly amazing people.
My Inner Circle
🌟 Jerry Austin – First and foremost, my incredible husband. Jerry is my biggest fan, my steady rock, and the reason I can do what I do without falling apart. He will never know how much I love hearing him laugh or react when he’s reading my book. It’s one of my favorite things in the world.
🌟 Cora L. – My mom, my lifelong cheerleader. She’s always told me I could do anything I put my mind to—and I believed her. I’m so grateful she never stopped reminding me to write and to never give up.
🌟 Larry L. – My dad who chose to be more than a stepdad. He has loved me like his own daughter, standing beside my mom and cheering me on every step of the way. He’ll never truly know how much I needed him.
🌟 Aaron, Wyatt, Hannah, and Aidyan – My children, my greatest inspirations. They’ve been my biggest supporters, and they are the “why” behind so much of what I do.
Cherished Memories
🌟 Grandma K. – I miss you every single day, Grandma. I wish more than anything you could read this one. You were such a massive fan of the first three—even in their rough draft form. You read them over and over like they were treasures. Your love for those books kept me from letting go of my dream.
Friends Who Lifted Me Higher
🌟 Mrs. Barbara N. – Your editing was invaluable. I wouldn’t have released my book with the confidence I had without your help.
🌟 Rachel T. – In one of my lowest moments, God used you in a mighty way to lift me up. I will forever be grateful for that.
🌟 Madison W. – A steadfast supporter from the very beginning. You’ll never truly know how much your encouragement has meant to me.
🌟 Kristen S. – Your sharp eye during the beta read helped me catch plot holes and fix issues I might have missed. Your insights were gold.
🌟 Stefanie N. – A fellow author I had the privilege of designing a cover for—and a constant source of encouragement. Being invited onto your channel was such an honor!
🌟 Leisha S. – Your excitement over my book was such a beautiful gift. Thank you for sharing that with me.
🌟 Sundae S. & Victoria P. – Two amazing ladies who aren’t big readers but still took the time to read my book and leave reviews. You two are proof that my tribe is made up of the best people.
Why This Matters
These incredible people make up my support group, and I truly don’t know where I’d be without them. Writing isn’t just about putting words on a page—it’s about the people who inspire those words, the hearts who help keep yours beating when the road gets long. I am beyond grateful for every single person who has played a part in my journey.
As I continue working on A Ranger for an Angel, I carry all of you with me in my heart. Thank you for being a part of this story—not just the ones I write, but the one I’m living.
Some names fade when the story ends.
These will always remain. 💕
Who has made a difference in your life lately—and how did they lift you up? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments. Let’s celebrate gratitude together.