Present Perfect (54 page)

Not looking at Jason, I asked, “What happened?”

“I’m sorry, Brad, I thought you knew. I mean I know you guys have been together for several months…I just assumed someone had already told you.”

“Told me what?”

He placed his hand on my shoulder in comfort and said, “Becca killed herself last night.”

“Fuck me.”

I sat at the computer alone and wrote Present Perfect, but this book is far from being a solo project. There were so many wonderful people that had a hand in bringing this book to life.

To Jef Bailey: Thank you for your complete support. You were patient while I freaked out over missing files, notes, and doubts. You were my eyes when mine were too tired and blurry to see and you helped me put things in perspective when I was overwhelmed. I appreciate you more than you know.

To Buster and Jack: It would be remiss of me if I didn’t thank my two silent writing partners, my dogs. Yes, you read correctly. I’m thanking my dogs. They were by my side day and night listening to me talk, laugh, cry, and curse. Only two things drove them into the other room to hide, the sound of thunder and the sound of me dropping the F-bomb over and over again.

To Kelley Forsberg, my sister: Thank you for the love, support, and encouragement not only with this book, but throughout my life. We will always share a special bond. I wouldn’t be here today without you.

To my
Perfect
betas: Each of you overwhelmed me with your passion and commitment. You made me a better writer during this process.

Beth Hyams (You will always be Beth Anne to me. I remembered the ‘e’.): You’ve been with me through everything in my life- the good, the bad, and the ridiculous. I cherish our friendship so much. It means everything to me, having you by my side throughout this journey. I love you.

Stacy Bailey Darnell (aka Princess): I would need to write a thousand more books to thank you as much as you deserve and it still wouldn’t be enough. Your support, guidance, humor, and friendship mean the world to me. Present Perfect was already a success before it was even released because through the process of creating it I got to know you better. Love ya, P!

Lisa Harley (aka HS): This is all your fault. You inspired me, guided me, kicked my butt when I needed it, and created my Cade. You have my undying love and respect.

Kristina Amit: How many messages have passed between us? A gazillion? Your insights had me rethink some things and it made them better. I hope you like how Noah wears his baseball cap now.

Ana Zaun: You need to teach a class, Indie Author 101. I can’t thank you enough for all the help and support you gave me with the overall process of self-publishing. You are my Mr. (um... Ms) Miyagi. (I was able to write this without using ‘there’ once.)

Kim Shackleford (aka Duchess): My Carolina girl sistah. I loved your notes to me. Sorry I made you cry but also thrilled. Avery is getting a fantastic mom.

Jamie Zishka: You were the first beta to give me feedback. I was excited and nervous to open that first email, but elated and touched by your response.

Nicki DeStasi: Your feedback made me smile and laugh because your words leapt off the pages with excitement. I can’t tell you how many times I read your note when I was having a bad day and needed encouragement.

Susan Miskelly: Thank you for making me look and think of things from a different perspective. It helped more than you know.

To Maria DeSouza and Editing Divas: Maria, you are one of the kindest and most generous people I’ve met. From the first time we spoke, I felt as if I had known you for years. Your edits and feedback were invaluable and made Present Perfect a better book.

To Robin Harper and Wicked by Design: I adore my cover. I didn’t know what I wanted, but I knew what I didn’t want. Somehow you read my mind and then blew my mind with your design. Thank you for being patient and going above and beyond for me.

To Angela McLaurin and Fictional Formats: Thank you for not taking out a restraining order against me. I don’t usually have stalker tendencies, but I wanted the best formatter and you are the best. Your work is amazing.

To my Smurfettes: Beth Hyams, Stacy Bailey Darnell, Lisa Harley, Kristina Amit, Jamie Zishka, Nicki DeStasi, Kim Shackleford, Daisy Esquenazi, Sandra Cortez, America Matthews, Alexis Durbin, Stephanie Loftin, Dawn Costiera, and Jennifer Diaz- You ladies rock!! I’m so appreciative of all you did to help spread the word about Present Perfect.

To The Writer’s Block Group: The support, information, and encouragement you have shown me has helped push me forward to achieve my goals.

To Kindle Buddies: The first reading group I ever joined on Facebook was Kindle Buddies. I’ve met and become friends with a lot of great people through KB. I want to thank them for introducing me to so many wonderful books and authors that have touched my life and made it richer. Thank you, Crysti Perry, for starting the group and taking such good care of all of us.

To the Bloggers: An enormous THANK YOU to all of you. When I first started this journey I couldn’t quite figure out why people would spend hours and hours blogging, especially if they weren’t getting paid. As I got to know the blogging community, I
“got”
it. The love, dedication, commitment, and passion you show for books and authors is incredibly admirable. Thank you for all you do to support authors, especially indie authors. Your time and support is greatly appreciated.

To the readers: Thank you! I’m honored that you picked Present Perfect to read. The mark of a great book, to me, is one that makes you feel, think, and maybe look at life a little differently. I hope this book does that for you. Enjoy!

Alison was born and raised in Charleston, SC. As a child she used her imagination to write additional scenes to TV shows and movies that she watched. She attended Winthrop University and graduating with a BA in Theater. While at Winthrop she began writing one act plays which she later produced. Throughout the years she continued writing and producing several one act plays, but then life got in the way and she hung up her pen for a while. On the advice of a friend, she started writing again. In January 2013, Alison sat down at her computer and began writing her first novel,
Present Perfect
.

Alison lives in Charleston, South Carolina with her husband, Jef, and their two furry children (dogs). She’s addicted to Diet Pepsi and anything with sugar.

Links:

-Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alison-G-Bailey/223772144436171

-Goodreads

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7032185.Alison_G_Bailey

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17727279-present-perfect

-Twitter: @AlisonGBailey1

https://twitter.com/AlisonGBailey1

-Present Perfect Playlist

Present Perfect

http://open.spotify.com/user/1244737523/playlist/6n0dBZe7RKTbhXXmWcn1j1

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