Over the next four Mondays before Christmas, I will be writing some small letters to Santa. In each letter I will express my gratitude, and make my wishes known. Here is my first letter, a big one from the heart:

P.S. no promotional links provided during these thank yous.

Bless You, MENTORSDear Santa,

I’m not sure where to begin this year. So much has happened; so many blessings. Let me begin with gratitude and say thanks for what have been my blessings. First let me give thanks to those who have been my mentors, people who guided me, sometimes not so gently, but always with compassion and concern that I become the best I can be. I am a continuing work in progress but there are people to whom I owe much:

Mary Deal, award-winning and bestselling author, award-winning photographer and painter, editor and explorer. I met her online in 1997 and she’s been a guidepost and an inspiration ever since. She helped me expand my poetry, and to find deeper meanings in my words. She led me into new light. She believed in me.

Judy Mallow-Gripton, author, editor, teacher and so much more. She taught me the difference between AP and CS. Served me well and I got jobs because of this understanding. She taught me how to do serial fiction. She gave me my first serialized column (lessons on poetry) and turned me into an editor.

Joel Friedlander, the man who knows a bit of everything about the publishing business. Right now I’m speaking about book covers: what defines a genre, what colors are taboo, all about fonts and readability. The list is endless. He is the god among the designers for me. And speaking of designers:   Sean Foley, Travis Miles, Robin Johnson, and Marisa-rose Wesley, my cover designers should be rewarded. Each taught me something about designing and covers and style. I’m learning more every day but these people put me on the path. As a result, my collaboration with these designers and their incredible talent, has brought numerous awards. Be good to them, Santa.

Interiors are important to books, too. Until recently, I didn’t know what creative book interiors looked like or even that they existed. Thank you Cassy Roop! And she patiently corrects me, explains concepts and teaches me with every new book she formats. These too, win awards. And I continue to be a student.

Teachers of the business are everywhere but a few others whispered in my ear, without mockery. I am filled with appreciation every day for those who came with me at the beginning. They have moved well beyond me, yet they never look down at me. And when I needed friends or advice, or a shoulder, they were there. This goes out to the #FLINKS: Robbie Cox, Margie Miklas, Taylor Fulks, Pam L’Heureux, Jackie Birdsong, Ginger Myrick, Lidia Doweyko, and Stephanie Michele.  Other strong voices in the dark include Elaine Calloway, Sarah Olsen, Terri Wilson, and Patricia Terrell.

People who can push you to do more than you might have dared because they believe that what you do matters, are rare. This mentor did that for me, fully realizing what the leap of faith meant. She taught me to dare to speak my truth. I did and I’ve never regretted it. Rachel Thompson. Be especially kind to her, Santa. The scars never truly heal. And to Sharon Jones Frizzell,  who knew me at my worst and never doubted I had “a better” in me. The lessons I learned from her helped me become the writer I am.

Retired Colonel (USAF) Stanley G. Maratos gave me three lessons for life. I’ve never forgotten them, have passed them to many and he probably has no idea how much his wisdom changed my life for the better. He’s over 80 years now and Santa, be kind to him for me. I give you his lessons now: 1. Fortune favors the bold. 2. Never trouble trouble. 3. Let right be done, no matter what.

Now for some mentors who died, yet their impact stays with me always:  Mrs. Dorothy Wise, English Teacher – she taught me about the depth of words and pushed my poetry. Mrs. Dolores Jean Ellis, choir teacher and friend who sat with me on tour one night and changed my life as we talked about love and the power of heart. And when I needed a coach for a competition while overseas, she delivered without question (and it was 6 years since I had seen her). And Mr. Roger Bishop, a civil servant who was as much a father to me as my own when it came to advise and support. He believed in my upcoming marriage to my husband when few did and he was quick to tell me how to live better.

Those are the mentors, Santa. I have friends and collegues who I will write you about but today my wish for them is health, joy, and success. May they have blessings to fill their lives for the kindness and impact they gave to my life. I am grateful for these people, every single day. I hope others bless their mentors and let them know how appreciated they are, too.

Another letter next week, Santa. Thank you. Merry Christmas to you and yours,

I remain, Yours Between the Lines,

Sherry