In most books it’s called “Acknowledgements.” Sometimes it’s at the front of the book, sometimes at the back. Some are long and some are short. They’re very different except for one thing. Every author thanks her or her loved ones. There’s a reason for that.
When you commit to writing a book, you’re volunteering for many hours of solitary work. Usually, that steals at least some time from the time spent with loved ones.
Think about that. Sometimes a spouse or other loved one participates in the writing by being a sounding board or pre-editor. More often, they willingly give up time with you so that you can achieve something important.
While you’re working on the book, make a special effort to spend time with the people who love you. They’re the ones who won’t complain about all the time you’re spending on the book, because they love you and they want to help.
When the book is done, take some special time with those loved ones. Let them know how much you appreciate their support.
And thank them, in person and in those acknowledgements.
Wisdom!
My beloved has been in another room for many hours over the last few months as I have tried to capture, extract and refine ideas that could benefit others. My beloved forsook all other to be with me. For hundreds of hours I have been in front of the screen trying create or find something that will help others.
This wonderful wife of mine will occasionally tell me that the words don’t make my point or worse, they could be taken to make the opposite point. She knows I’ll moan, but she lovingly tells me the truth anyway.
I need to abandon this screen and go show her my appreciation.
Bravo! The people around us make it possible for us to do what we do. Even better, they forgive us when we put our work or excitement ahead of them.