Today’s a very special day.
Because today is my mom’s birthday.
My mom is a woman of many talents. She’s happiest with a project in front of her. If something’s broken, she’ll figure out how to fix it. If someone needs help, she’s already halfway there before they’ve finished asking.
We’re very different.
She creates with her hands. I create with words.
But one thing has never changed. If I have a problem, she’s the first person I call. Actually, I probably call her more now than I did when I was in college. Somehow, turning forty didn’t fix that.
But what does she have to do with every one of my leading ladies?
Writers spend a lot of time thanking people in acknowledgements. And one day I realized something. There wasn’t enough room in a few pages at the back of a book to thank the woman who’s been helping me tell stories long before I ever had a publishing contract.
She’s read early drafts. Helped me untangle plot problems. Talked me through the days I was convinced a story wasn’t working. Celebrated every little milestone along the way.
She’s my first reader. My biggest supporter. My ride or die.
So I found another way to thank her. Every single one of my leading ladies shares the same birthday.
September 30.
It’s a little secret between me and the page.
Most readers will never notice it. But I will. Because every time I write a new heroine, a little piece of my mom goes with her.
Happy birthday, Mom.
Thank you for helping me become the writer—and the person—I am today.