acknowledgments

I watched the Grammy awards last night and the acceptance speeches got me thinking about who I'd thank if I was ever in that position. Aspiring actors talk about how they practice their Oscar acceptance speeches. Well, as an aspiring novelist, I like to think about who I'd thank in the acknowledgments of my future book.

I have no idea who I'd dedicate it to, but I've thought about who I'd mention in the acknowledgments. First, I'd thank my family of course. My parents, especially my dad, have always been very supportive and encouraging about my writing.

I would also thank my friends who have supported me, read my newspaper articles, and offered encouragement. I would especially like to thank my friend MW, who sent me this quote: "The worst thing you write is still better than the best thing you didn't." I absolutely love it and try to remind myself of it often.

If my book is really published, I'm sure I will have so many people to thank--agent, editor, publisher, publicist, etc. I don't even know. Just everyone who helped make it possible.

I wasn't really into writing when I was in school, so I can't say any of my teachers really stand out except for one of my college instructors. I majored in communications in college and planned to go into public relations (what was I thinking?) and I had to take a news writing class for my major. During class one day, my instructor came up to me and asked if I had an internship lined up yet for the summer. I did not. I was having trouble finding something. Basically I looked into this big binder in the Comm department, applied to the one & only PR internship in my hometown, interviewed for the position and never heard from them again. My instructor told me that he'd get me an internship at the newspaper where he worked. I couldn't believe it! I hadn't even considered writing for a newspaper. I loved it. I interned over the summer, studied abroad in the fall, and returned to the newspaper for my last semester. After graduation, I applied for a position at my hometown newspaper and I've been writing for them ever since. Anyway, the problem is... I completely lost touch with this instructor after graduation and he's not at the school anymore. I never got to tell him how he inspired me to pursue writing as a career!

There are two other people who have been important in my life and I want to thank, but I'm not sure if I can or how I'd do it. I've had friends come and go throughout the years, but these two are different. The first is my best friend from high school. We were best friends throughout high school and college, and for several years after. Then we had a falling out in 2004. We are friends on Facebook and talk every now and then, but I wouldn't really say we are friends. Even now, after all these years, it still makes me sad to think about it. Now that I'm working on a YA book, I can't help but think of her when I think of my own high school experiences. She was there for all of them. When I first decided that I wanted to write a novel, many many years ago, I always pictured her as the best friend in the novel. I still do.

The other person is also an ex-friend of mine. We met through work. He is the reason I am the writer I am today. He was an excellent mentor and I just learned so much from him. He gave me so many opportunities at work and always encouraged me. He made me a better writer and a better person and we became good friends over the years. The last time I talked to him, which was about six years ago, he called to tell me he proposed to his girlfriend. He said he hoped I would attend their wedding. He also told me that he mailed my letter of recommendation (I had applied to go back to school). I never heard from him again. The school never got the letter. Like the other friend I mentioned, he and I are friends on Facebook. I found him on there a couple years ago. He accepted my friend request but never acknowledged any of my wall posts or messages.

I like to think that both of these friends would be honored to be mentioned in the acknowledgments of my book, but I just don't know. I wish I could thank them. But maybe it's better to just move on.

I also like to think of how I'll answer questions such as "What made you decide to write a book?" and "Where do you get your ideas?" I've been practicing my answers for those too. Of course, it would help if I actually, you know, finished writing the book first.