My third book had to be dedicated to my sister, Ashley Beaulieu. She's one of my best friends and one of my editors. She also happens to be one of my biggest fans. She is more insulted than I am when I get a negative comment and she is always pushing me forward to keep me writing because she's anxious to read the next book.
Ashley and I often get asked if we're twins. We're not. There are four years between, and Ashley would be quick to tell you that I am the older one. We're often seen together. We say the same thing, at the same time, with the same inflection - evidence that we spend a lot of time together. People will often call us by the other one's name and we don't correct them any more. We'll just go to each other and say, "So and so thought I was you."
Ashley and I have been blessed to serve together in many capacities. We used to teach the four and five year olds in Vacation Bible School every year. I would teach and Ashley would help. We were able to co-direct VBS together this year and right now we serve in the same small group for ladies Bible study. We work well together. As the oldest, I tend to be the leader and the one who takes charge, but Ashley has a lot more contacts as the younger, more outgoing one. I can delegate things to her easily and she's always willing to help out. We're a good team and we balance each other out nicely.
When I got back her editing notes for Dress for Success, she had written on the first page, "LOVED IT! P.S. I cried a lot! :)" She encourages me all the time and will list me as one of her favorite authors, which always makes me smile. The thing that I love about it is that I know she's being sincere. She's not saying that just because she's my sister. She genuinely enjoys reading my books.
We didn't always get along as well as we do now. When we were growing up and she would irritate me, my mom would remind me that I had prayed for a sister and God had given me one. I didn't think it was very fair to remind me that I had wanted a sister. I often thought that if I had known what a pest a little sister was, I wouldn't have asked for one. But now I can't imagine my life without her. God knew what He was doing when he gave me a sister and a best friend rolled up in one amazing person. I love you, Ashley!
Switching gears a little bit, I want to thank everyone who has purchased Dress for Success. I hope you enjoy Brooke's story as much as I enjoyed writing it. If you haven't purchased it, you will be able to find it by clicking on the link below.
I also wanted to quickly update you on my Christmas novella. It's coming along and I'm really enjoying writing it. It's not part of the KW Consulting series so I've been able to develop all new characters which has been a lot of fun. I think it will be a nice Christmas read when it is finished. I still have my eye set on a Thanksgiving release date.
Dress for Success
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