Author Cathy Yardley once said that all writers must craft their work alone, but none can succeed that way. We all need beta-readers, editors, agents, and advocates.

And more than that , we need those who inspire us and give us hope, our mentors.

The people and organizations mentioned here are included because they have inspired us and helped in ways that we never really repay, other than to thank them and then pay-it-forward.

With sincere appreciation, we offer them our deepest gratitude.