In the front of most every book there is a dedication. Usually, it’s a message of thanks to close family or friends and sometimes to supportive fans. To most readers, this is a page they skip over with just a cursory glance. To those who see their names in print, it means much more. But to the author, I’ll tell you, it means the world.
Being a writer is like running a marathon and backpacking at the same time. It’s a marathon in that it takes steady work day after day, looking for the finish line while pressing through all sorts of obstacles, both external and internal. It’s like backpacking in that nearly all authors work full time jobs, have the responsibilities of marriage, parenting, home, and community, plus are small business owners with endless tasks in that regard. We’re fully loaded on top of the long trek we walk day in and day out.
And so, when an author makes a dedication, he or she thinks of what life would be like without those key people whose love and support make all the difference and make it all worthwhile. Besides the words we bring to life on the printed page, it’s the biggest gift we can give, to say this work is dedicated to you.
This week, I’m celebrating 15 years of marriage to my beautiful wife, Amy… AND celebrating the 7th birthday of our little miracle child, Emma. And it’s dedicated all to you! I love you!!!!
Your loving husband and father, EDC
Edward D. Casey 