Having grown up in a Pentecostal church, and being raised by three generations of women (one being the Pastor), it’s no wonder I write the things I write. Really, I just love the Lord. And the way I praise Him is through sharing my gifts with you. I’d like to thank God for the gift of words—and more importantly—the gift of love. Who knew that a broken heart, a scratched Al Green record, and comp tickets to see a stage play would have turned into all of this. I’ve finally decided to stop trying to figure it out and let God keep working it out! (See, I told you I was raised Pentecostal.)

Next, I’d like to thank and acknowledge the four remarkable women who taught me the love of God, the love for myself, and the love for humanity. Those women are my great-grandmother and the best friend ever, Pastor Annie M. Woods (boy oh boy do I miss you, Ma!). My mother, my first love, and the baddest woman I know, Diane Harris. And lastly my two Grandmothers, Alice McPherson and Evangelist Catherine Kilgore.

To the men in my life who helped bring me into manhood: my late uncle, Elder Ronald H. Woods, who I know is grinning from ear to ear at how his two nephews turned out; my big brother and original soul superhero, James T. Talbert, Sr.; my dad, Lenwood Harris; and my father, Reverend Jim Talbert.

To the millions of playgoers, to the pastors, bishops, church folk, and everyday folk that have supported me over the past twelve years: You mean more to me than words could ever express. Sincerely, I say thank you!

To all my friends at radio, television, newspapers, and magazines, their owners, their program directors, promotion directors, and jocks: Thank you for letting me year after year promote play after play. With your help I’ll be promoting novels and pretty soon films and television shows. Consider yourself forewarned.

To all the authors, booksellers, and publications in the literary world: I’m truly in awe of the industry you’ve nurtured and grown over the years. I’m honored to be a part of your community.

Thanks to Sha, Enoch, Andre, and the entire Ecclectic Salon family for listening to me as I rambled about my novel every week. To Kelcey Newman for making regular late-night trips to the house, then to Coffee Bean to work on yet another version of the cover art. You’re the best! To Haminot, Laura, Bridgett (a.k.a. sexy toes), and the ladies at Gordon and Associates for your love and support. To my lawyer, Darryl Miller, for making me laugh and keeping me out of trouble.

To Cindy Stox—my prototypical Montana. And her friends Dan Graham and Donna Oglesby: Thanks for taking time to give me insight into the world of flight attendants.