The Dragons' Chosen (37 page)

I looked at Tristan. His eyes glowed as they connected with mine. I started forward slowly, then ran as he opened his arms for me. Perhaps it was, more truly, a demonstration of love.

So many people have been a part of Dragons. Each time it has morphed into another version

Josh Schimel, my husband and love, who has read and critiqued draft after draft of Dragons.

Kate Epstein, who critiqued so many, many revisions.

Val Hobbs, Sherrie Peterson, Kim Hernandez and Lori Walker, my current writing group who cheered me on each step of the way.

Rebecca Finley, Sarah Potok, Denise Fitolas,Helene Gardner, Lori Walker, Nicole Archambeau, Sigrid Erro, Kerstine Johnson, Beth Taylor-Schott who listened to early versions of Dragons as it took form.

Dianne Salerni, who helped me strengthen my writing.

Cynthia Bates, Sidonie Weidenkeller, Kate Schimel, Nancy Tubbs, Jeannie Meekins, Michele McGrath. Judith and Michael Thompson, Heather Latham and Joseph Grayson. Readers extraordinaire.

Jeanne Panek, for convincing me to change the ending.

Phyllis Schimel, for laughing in all the right places.

Anne Lowenkopf, who gave me the courage to write.

Gwen Dandridge is the author of

The Stone Lions

and

The Dragons’ Chosen.

She lives in California.

You can visit her online at

http://www.gwendandridge.com