Dreams of Fire (Maple Hill Chronicles Book 1) (37 page)

Ruari had seemed okay in spite of her show down with her ex. She trusted that boded well for their future and reasoned, if he hadn’t wanted to spend time with her, he wouldn’t have invited her to Innisfree. She looked forward to seeing him again and hoped it would be soon.

All in all, her life had taken a turn for the better.

Acknowledgements

This is my first published story, and I have many thank yous! First, to my husband, Austin, who is my first, best reader and doesn’t mind reading the same darn thing over and over. He has supported me from its inception three years ago and has always thought I should write. He is also has a good eye for consistency and the male perspective. To my editor, Jacqueline Beam: we are both new at this and let’s hope we have many more collaborations. This novel wouldn’t be half so good without you. Any mistakes still contained in its pages are solely my own! To Victorine who produced a wonderful cover unbelievably quickly. I hope to have many more collaborations with you.
 
To my children who encouraged me to write and follow through to publication even though this story isn’t “their cup of tea.” I promise to write one that is more to your liking. To all the people who shared their experiences of the paranormal with me, you know who you are. To all my beta readers: Eric (who knew Marianne needed a new love in her life) and Betty (who knew there was something wrong with George from the beginning), Marta and Judy, Beth, Mom, Orion (who added punch), Kelton (who suggested multiple voices, thereby making the story deeper), and Kathy (who made some outstanding comments late in the process).
 

Writers are solitary by nature and need the input of living, breathing human beings. Being part of a supportive writer’s group is incredibly rewarding and helpful. I am humbled to join you in the published world and encourage the rest of you to see your projects through to fruition. The Monday Night Writer’s Group demanded more punch from the climaxes—thank you! Special kudos to Kayla: I wouldn’t have gotten this far without your encouragement and guidance, you rock!

I did research in several places: the Starr Library in Rhinebeck, NY, the Wappingers Falls Rural Cemetery, NY (thank you Beth and Bill), Renaissance Woodwork in Pullman, WA (thank you Tom), Innisfree Gardens in Millbrook, NY, and, of course, the Internet. There were many websites that supplied information on spirits, haunted houses and dream communication.
 

Maple Hill Chronicles

“Dreams of Fire” introduces the fictional town of Maple Hill, New York which is nestled in the hills of the Hudson Valley. It is a composite of several places I’ve lived in or visited. I loved creating it and look forward to returning to Maple Hill in the future. There will be more stories with familiar faces and places as well as new ones, and I hope you’ll seek them out! Ruari Allen will tell his story next in “Sylvan Dreams.” Look for news about this and other upcoming stories at palousedigitalpress.com, Elizabeth R. Alix homepage.

About the Author

Elizabeth R. Alix is a pen name. I grew up in the Hudson Valley and presently live in the Inland Northwest. Having come for graduate school in anthropology, I stayed for the bucolic countryside. I worked on the Ellis Island Museum project many years ago and have camped on remote, deserted islands in the chilly north while searching for traces of ancient Aleuts and other early newcomers to North America. I briefly contemplated becoming a forensic anthropologist but chose to write instead, so I don’t have to leave beautiful eastern Washington. Otherwise, I am devoted to my family and have spent many hours being Taxi Mom. Now that my children are nearly grown and flown, I can sit down and spend more time writing. My husband takes care of our little farm and is incredibly supportive of my writing.

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