Glimmer of Hope (Land of Tomorrow Book 1) (33 page)

Author’s Note and Acknowledgements

This story came to me during the great winter storm of 2010 when my family and I were trapped under six feet of snow on Fort Meade, Maryland where I was stationed at the time. My mind wandered during the times without electricity and I started imagining that we were all alone. This led me to thinking what my family and I would do in a real emergency which of course led to getting home. From that point the book largely wrote itself. There were times I couldn’t write fast enough to keep pace with the story in my head and often I couldn’t go to sleep at night due to my mind dwelling on the great adventure I had discovered. The first draft was written in a rush between February and May of 2010 during free moments late at night or on weekends. The final version took much longer.

This novel went through numerous re-writes and revisions in order to improve the story and the final product. In order for this to happen I needed the help and input of friends who willingly took time to read my manuscript and provide input and support. My wife Kristin read the first draft and encouraged my writing efforts when I thought it was a little ridiculous and pretentious. My in-laws Sherman and Diane Chaudoin also provided helpful proofreading and wise insight. Dear friends and early readers Adam Dottle, Stan Szafran, David Conrad, Luke Jones, and my mother Betty Hill all did nearly as much for the story as I did myself. Fellow author David VanDyke made a final review and gave me the courage to cut and slash as much as I could stand and hopefully make a better book. For all the people above I am grateful and humbled by their support, love, and friendship. Thank you.

The story of Nathan and this brave new world is not over. I’m working on the second book in this series
Children of Wrath
which I hope you get the chance to enjoy soon.

Until then, stay strong friends.