Acknowledgements

I wanted to write my first book when I was in my twenties. I even attempted it, and two others, but I never really had the gumption to finish one. I started a new attempt with the encouragement of many people this time and thus the Realm Overlay Series was born.

There are so many people to thank for their help in me becoming the author I am now.

Larry Mays II:
My husband Larry has been with me for twelve years this August (2020). He encourages me to live my life as my own. He's the reason I discovered my talents in art and encouraged me to find joy even when I couldn't walk. He used to say, "Anything you can do from bed I'll support." I learned art with the supplies he bought me, sketching, painting, woodburning.

When I was depressed, he'd notice before I did and help me snap out of it. But when it came to my writing, he was amazing. At one Fourth of July party, water got spilled on my computer. I cried, because my manuscript was in there. We went to Walmart that night and got Ruby. (That's what I named my shiny, red laptop.)

He's always been so loving and supportive. Have you heard the saying, something along the lines of, you want to be with the person who'd push your wheelchair when you're old? Well, he pushed my wheelchair when I couldn't walk just a few years ago. I love him for that and so much more. Thank you Larry, for all you do and will do in our future and for not giving up on me when I was ready to give up on myself.

Alice:
My dear sweet mother, you raised us all on your own and I give credit to nobody else. I am who I am because you molded me. I am so happy that I have the privilege of you living with us. Your constant encouragement propels me further daily on my journey. I'm not spoiled Mom, I'm loved, and you are my biggest cheerleader. Thank you for everything Mom, I love you.

My Children:
Natasha, Alicia, Kevin, Anthony, Joseph, Jerramy and Amyllia. To all my babies, yes, I know you're all adults now. Some with children of your own—thank you for my nine grandchildren. I'm so proud of everyone of you and I love watching you grow still, while on your own life journeys. Each one of you have helped me excel in everything I did, one way or another, whether making my office look pretty, bringing me Pepsi, reminding me to break—even just listening to me read my work out loud. Thank you so much my children, remember your Mom loves you now and always.

My best friends, Ginger, Randy, Kenny and Nolen. You are my inner circle.

Ginger:
I've been your best friend since I was sixteen. I'm not sure how my life would've turned out without you in it. What I do know is I'm glad I didn't have to find out. You are my walking diary, knowing every secret, plot or plan I've concocted over the years. You've had my back since day one and there are not enough ways to say thank you to express how I feel about you. You are my Tannah and will always be. So my dear, thank you for the last thirty years. You've played a huge part in my success with your encouragement and love. Thank you!

Randy:
Oh Randy, what can I say? You've been my best guy friend for the last twenty years. That's a long time, my friend. You've watched me at age twenty-four dancing at the bars, and better yet, danced with me. You came over against my will to care for my sick babies when I wouldn't let anyone else. You've helped with a listening ear and stroked my hair to put me to sleep when I just couldn't get there, more than once. We were always just friends. Truth is, I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. You were a constant that I couldn't live without. Thank you for still being that person, the one I can still call at three o'clock in the morning.

Kenny:
You are the calm waters when there's a raging storm all around me. You my friend, keep me grounded and settled. I love and appreciate you so much. I've missed you more than you know. I'm glad you're happy in your world. I wish nothing but the best for you. Thank you for all your encouragement and for being you.

Nolen:
Thank you for always being there for me and helping me when I needed it. Thank you for the getaways and world of warcraft nights that never ended. Thank you for helping pick up the pieces when I thought my world was falling apart. I wouldn't be who I am without you in my life.

My sister Chrissy:
No, I don't have a sister by blood. When I was eight this girl came into my life and we were hooked together like puzzle pieces from then on. I call her my pseudo sister. Chrissy has been with me and active in my life for thirty-seven years and has played the sister role to a T. There is so much history there, I could write a book. Instead though, I will say thank you for kicking me out and temporarily stealing my first born. Yeah, she knows what that means. Seriously though, I love you sister, so a big thank you for all your encouragement in everything I did.

My sister-in-Law Cher:
Thank you for being there to talk, bounce idea's and creating a visual of AvaLynn's house. We've been through a lot, good and bad. Just know that I love you so much and I'm always here for you—no matter what.

My friend Lisa:
We met on World of Warcraft, an escape from our own reality. From there we discussed our real lives and the people in them. You quickly became my confidant and a remarkably close friend. You have stuck with me for many years now. Worrying about me when something was wrong, you always showed concern and helped me fix things when they weren't perfect and I thank you for that. Since we met, we've flown to see each other and I'm sure they'll be many more visits in the future. Thank you for taking me to my first con and letting me join you to meet Jason Momoa. That is a memory I'll never forget; well, that and the costumes. It really opened up my imagination. I appreciate your support. You are a great friend and I love you.

My friend and editor Joe:
Let's face it, Joe, without you, my book wouldn't get published for the next year or two. You are my friend, teacher and editor. You play a lot of roles in my life and I wouldn't be this far without you. In such a short time you've incorporated so nicely into my world. I love you and can't wait to see you again. Thanks for everything you do my friend.

My Cover Artist:
Diana, thank you for your beautiful work. Taking my thoughts and making them into something visual that I can see is no easy task. But you listened to every thought and took into consideration everything I had to say. You've created an image more beautiful than I could imagine. Thank you so much for everything. I look forward to your future creations and working with you. Thank you for making Dream Realm the vision is.

My friend and favorite author Connie Suttle:
Words are hard to find when it comes to you. I was inspired by your writing; you spin beautiful tales that people can relate to. You have taken me under your wing and become a mentor and a friend. I love that you always found time for me, making me a better writer with every conversation that passes. I look forward to COVID-19 going away; I would love to come visit you, Joe, Kenny and Randy. I love and miss you all so much. I'm looking forward to our future visits. Connie you're an amazing woman who encourages others. You're a role model and simply put, awesome. Thank you for everything, including introducing me to Joe.

To my beta readers:
Dianne, Brett, Mikayla, Karen, Ginger and Michelle. I just want to say that you guys all catch things that make a difference in my work. I appreciate you taking the time and effort out of your busy lives to help me. Thank you.

Kimberly Mays