Set the way back clock to around 2005. I was wandering through the aisles of Borders (back when brick and mortar stores were the only place to find books) and came upon an intriguing title. Kiss of the Night. I don’t know why I grabbed the book. I still have it, the cover’s image of a handsome and mysterious man watching from the corner of a brightly lit dance club now faded and worn with use.

That day, I was introduced to the world of Sherrilyn Kenyon. From the first page, I was hooked, entranced by the amazing characters living inside the pages. I met Wulf and Talon, and fell in love. (Sorry, hubby.) As time went on, I snatched up and devoured every book. I even signed up on her BBS (that’s bulletin board services for you young ‘uns out there – think of it as Facebook back in the day.) There, I met like minded individuals, all of us sharing friendship and stories through our love of Sherrilyn’s works.

In 2007, I had the opportunity to meet her at a book signing at my local independent bookstore, Mysterious Galaxy. I was on pins and needles. A chance to share the same air as this brilliant writer. The event was just as wonderful as I had hoped. Even better was the fact we struck up a great conversation. One conversation grew into another and another, and soon it became a friendship.

When I started my own journey in the publishing world, Sherrilyn offered me advice and guidance. I was floored when she gave my first book, Spirit Fall, a glowing promo blurb. Over the years, we have met up during conventions, laughed together over meals and talked about everything from craft and books to brothers and bad airplane food. We exchange cards at the holidays and phone calls on random Tuesdays.

Fast forward to July 2019. Fourteen years after reading my first Dark-Hunter book, I will be signing alongside the great Author Goddess herself. Words cannot truly convey the sense of humbling awe I feel at this; an absolute dream come true. In just days, my words, my tales will share the table with not just a New York Times best selling author, but with a very dear friend. A friend who believed in me and who inspires me with each and every word I read and write.

One of the best things: the signing is at the same bookstore where we first met. Talk about the circle of life.