Sunday, September 30, 2012

Dedication


by: Joelle Charbonneau

Every time I turn a book in to one of my editors, the editor asked the question “Do you want a dedication included?”  That seems like a simple answer, right?  YES!  So many people have helped me along the way to publishing—family, friends, students, booksellers, etc…  The dedication is one place where I can focus on thanking one or two specific people who have championed me and my career.

Last year, I dedicated Skating Over the Line to my father.  He never saw that dedication.  I’m sorry to say he didn’t live long enough to see my work published.  It has almost been four years since he passed away.  I miss him.  I miss his love of laughter and his work ethic.  (Okay, sometimes the work ethic was a little extreme.  Like the time he climbed up on the roof to melt ice from the gutters after being told he was too sick to have surgery.  Still, you get the point.)  But even though I knew he would never see the book with his name in it, I felt it was important to let the world know that I would never have been the person I am without him.

On Tuesday, SKATING ON THE EDGE will hit shelves.  (Although there are reports that it has been spotted in bookstores already.)  Once more the dedication is to someone who has helped shape my life.  Once more, the person whom the book is dedicated to will not see his name or hold the book in his hands.  But I know he is watching.  That he is proud.  And that he is somewhere celebrating this accomplishment with my father.

To my father-in-law, Joe Blanco, thank you for your love, your support and your amazing ability to make me believe in myself.  I miss you more with every passing day, but your inspiration lives on.

3 comments:

Donnell Ann Bell said...

Joelle, your post gave me chills. What a blessing to have two such men in your life who encouraged you onward. I will look for your book on the shelf! Can't give you any of my tissues, however, hogging them all for myself.

WriterMarie said...

Everything your dad and father-in-law meant to you and taught you will live on in you. Your dedications help them also live on in others' memories. They are with you, even if not physically on earth. And I know they are proud of you! (((HUGS)))

EA said...

I have several books I'd like to turn into editors. Think of all the work they could do while I get on with other stuff. Please post the magic spell. I could really use it! Unless of course, you meant "turn a book in to one of my editors." That means something else. No magic required. :-)