Authors: Stephanie Stamm
Tags: #Paranormal Romance, #chicago, #mythology, #new adult, #Nephilim, #Fantasy, #Young Adult, #Angels, #angels and demons
A Gift of Wings (54 page)
I offer thanks to my family and friends, who provided encouragement and support—and believed in me even when I didn’t. Their willing participation in many, many conversations about the story and my obsession with the process of writing, publishing, and self-publishing helped make this book possible.
I am more than grateful to all the friends who so kindly served as beta readers for the book or sections of it, especially those who patiently re-read through various versions: Carolyn Allen, Michaelangelo Allocca (who gets bonus points both for hours spent accompanying me to various Chicago sites in the interest of “research” and for giving me an explanation for the significance of the number 18), Dan and Katie Brogan, Sue Caulfield, Peter Jabin, Laurie Phelps, Traci Selvidge, Ami Snow, and the Wildcats, the best book group ever (Barb Erickson, Pat Relf Hanavan, Shirley Hebert, Kathy Huffman, Jil Larson, Carol Leigh, and Lauren Longwell). Your feedback helped make this the best book it could be. Any remaining faults are entirely mine.
Thanks to Roxanne Manders for her great copy editing and for a refresher course on comma usage.
To my cover designer, Ravven, I offer deep gratitude and much admiration. With seeming effortlessness, she created a stunning cover that perfectly captures the feel of the story. I couldn't have asked for a better experience or final product. Thanks also to Cindy Koshar for the sweet little feathers in the chapter heads.
Thanks to Jeremy Brown for advice about publishing and self-publishing. And thanks to all the indie writers who have made their stories and information about the process so accessible.
Finally, I want to thank Mark Nepo and the wonderful people who have been part of the workshops in which I’ve participated. Your wisdom and the support of the circles we create together have helped me find the courage to listen to the voice of my heart and to shake my own wings free.
AUTHOR’S NOTE
This is a work of fiction. While many of the locations mentioned are real, they are used fictitiously, and I have taken liberties where necessary for the story. For example, I have never been in the abandoned Christian Scientist church near the corner of Blackstone and 57th Steet, so I have no idea what it looks like inside. Nor do I know if there is really a lecture hall or a lounge or office space on the second floor of the Oriental Institute. The statue of the
lamassu,
however, is real. You can see a picture of him on my website at
http://www.stephanieastamm.com
.
Word of mouth is crucial for any author to succeed. If you enjoyed this book, please consider posting a review to the site where you purchased it or on
Goodreads
. It doesn’t have to be long. Even a line or two would make all the difference and would be very much appreciated.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stephanie Stamm grew up in Kentucky and then moved to Chicago, where she lived for 10 years, before settling in Southwest Michigan. She holds an advanced degree in Religion & Literature and has been a press operator, a teaching assistant, a research assistant, a part-time English and Humanities instructor, a potter, and, for the last several years, a technical writer. An avid reader of fantasy, she finally decided to combine her fascination with winged beings, ancient religions, and world-building and write the novels she wanted to read.
A Gift of Wings,
the first volume of the Light-Bringer Series, is her first novel. You can visit her and read more about the Light-Bringer Series at
http://www.stephanieastamm.com
.
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