With that being said, I will now begin gushing my gratitude.
Most importantly, and most obviously, I want to first attempt to express my thankfulness and appreciation to my patient parents. Mom and Dad, you have supported me every step of the way through this crazy journey, and I truly could not have accomplished this dream without the two of you. Thank you for believing in me, I love you both dearly.
Following the family theme, there are three other people I’m related to who deserve my thanks. Nikki, thank you for not only listening to me rant about plot holes, but for helping me find ways to resolve them. I owe you bigtime. Josh, I couldn’t have asked for a better fake agent. Thank you for your willingness to help and wisdom throughout this process, Foo. Jessie, the love and support you’ve graciously given me means more than you know. Your enthusiasm for me and my dream is truly contagious.
For once, it seems I’m at a loss for words when it comes to expressing my immense appreciation for my incredible editor, Michelle Rosquillo. I am so unbelievably thankful for all the dedication and hard work you poured into Powerless, Michelle. Your guidance and wisdom helped make my manuscript what it is today, and I could not have asked for a better woman to tackle the task of editing this lengthy book. Thank you for making this process fun and exciting, including the four-hour phone calls I would put you through. Simply put, you are the best.
The breathtaking cover before you is all thanks to Stefanie Saw at Seventhstar Art. You are truly magic, and I will be forever mesmerized by your work. As for the gorgeous map in the front of this book, we all have JoJo Elliott to thank for that. I am blown away every time I admire how the both of you brought my world to life.
Now, if I were to write about every person who helped get me to where I am today, whether by encouragement or aid, I fear we’d have another book on our hands. With that in mind, I’d like to give a general and ginormous thank you to my incredible friends. Your excitement for me and willingness to listen to me ramble about my writing is more than I could ever ask for. Thank you for putting up with me—that task alone is not for the faint of heart.
Alright, it’s about time I thank a few thousand people who have played a huge role in not only the writing of Powerless, but also in my life. To the chaotic family I am blessed enough to have through TikTok, you all are the reason I even got to write ‘acknowledgements’ at the top of this page. Powerless wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for the support and love I’ve been shown since posting my very first video on BookTok. You are my favorite menaces, and I will never be able to thank each and every one of you enough for giving me this opportunity. You’re all the main character, and don’t you ever forget it.
I’d like to now thank the One who gifted me my love of words and desire to write. I truly would not be where I am today without my Lord and Savior, and I thank God for the opportunity He has given me.
Okay, I’m almost done being sappy. This is a thank you to you, dear reader. I simply cannot fathom a world in which people want to read my ramblings, so thank you for spending time in the world I created with the characters I am unhealthily attached to. You are my inspiration, and I hope I have the privilege to continue writing for you.
Now, pretend I’m giving you a hug.
XO, Lauren
About the Author
When Lauren isn’t writing about fantasy worlds and bantering love interests, she can likely be found burrowed in bed reading about them. Lauren has lived in Michigan her whole life, making her very familiar with potholes, snow, and various lake activities. She has the hobbies of both a grandmother and a child, i.e., knitting, laser tag, hammocking, word searches, and coloring. Powerless is her first novel, and she hopes to have the privilege of writing pretty words for the rest of her life. If you enjoy ranting, reading, and writing, Lauren can be found on both TikTok and Instagram @Laurens1ibrary for your entertainment.