I was reading something in the Guardian online yesterday and
got tugged into reading an article called- excuse the somberness- regrets of
the dying. Now, that’s not normally something that would get a double click
from my mouse, but there was a sweet picture of a wrinkled hand holding a
strong, youthful one and the emotional author in me was hooked. I had to take a
peek to make sure I wasn’t going to have any regrets on my way out. You can
guess most of them—I shouldn’t have worked so much, I should have followed my
dreams—but one that really caught my attention was a wish to have kept in touch
with old friends.
Writers are fortunate to have a secret, powerful weapon that
helps them do just that. Not many other professions encourage
“acknowledgements” each time you finish a piece of work, but upon completing a
novel for publication, writers are asked to recognize the people who have
helped them on their journey. Every time I’ve penned a dedication, I’ve thought
about how lucky I am to be able to publicly reflect like this.
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| From The Wedding Audition by Catherine Mann & Joanne Rock |
It’s a huge treat for me, for one thing. It nudges me to be
introspective for a few hours and really think about who has helped me to come
up with an idea or who inspired me to write. I’ve acknowledged high school
English teachers, bloggers, other writers, family members and yes… old friends.
I’ve penned dedications to women who cheered me on personally and
professionally, girlfriends who cheered me up when life got too difficult, and
mentors who showed me how to do things better, faster or more efficiently.
People who’ve made an important impact on my life and my happiness.
I also like to think this tradition is a treat for the
people who are recognized. Actually, I can attest that is an honor because I’ve
been named in friends’ books as a helper in the story process and it always
makes me walk a little taller. Plus, it touches my heart to be valued that way,
and to have a friend use that limited space to give a shout out to me. When my
first book came out and I mentioned my English teachers in the dedication,
I had fun sending them a copy of my debut along with a letter telling them how
much they inspired me. I hoped that my enthusiasm would help make up for the
fact that some kids occasionally yawn in their classes (who could yawn during a
lesson on the Romantic Poets??)
and it was just plain fun.
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| Win my June release! |
Knowing how cool it’s been to send out acknowledgements into
the world, I guess I wanted to share the idea with anyone who hasn’t written a
book and had the thrill of penning a dedication. You can still write a letter
to tell someone who inspired you that you still remember their awesome
contribution to your life. That their words meant a lot to you or helped you
grow, change, see the world a little differently. Your old friends, mentors, teachers or family
members will be touched to be recognized, and the joy you spread will sure make
you smile too.
