Hearts Of Nepal

Chapter 2

This book would not be possible if not for all the people who have generously given their time, expertise, and friendship to me. They kept me moving forward on the right track and when I veered into trees, they gently dragged me back with thoughtful critiques, questions to consider, and brainstorming creative ideas with me. A few of them went well beyond what anyone could expect, and I want to both thank them, and shine a light on their contributions in bringing this novel to life.

First and foremost, I want to thank those in Kathmandu, Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Khum Jung, and all the Himalayan villages for showing me the beauty of your world. I am forever changed, and in love with your land. You’re the best! To Binod Thapa, Sila Kc Thapa, and all the rest of you who live and work in the mountains, I wish you happiness, long lives, and prosperity.

To my critique group: Martin Meiss, Mary Fancher, Millisa Morrow, Paul Baxter, Julie Stuetzle, and Debbie Panebianco, who kept me honest with my characters’ thoughts and feelings; I could not have done it without you. To the local Chapter of the CNYRWA, who cheerlead me on: much appreciation. To Jim Block, who traveled the Annapurna Circuit, and was kind enough to provide many of the photos in this book along with suggestions and comments regarding the trail, I am forever grateful. To my editor, Paul Baxter, and my proofreader, Martin Meiss, who both methodically checked every little detail to make sure there were no typos, misspellings, plot holes or gaps, thank you, thank you, thank you!

To my amazing award-winning narrator, Holly Adams, who knows my characters so well and breathes life into them, I am in awe of you. When you render their words, you draw me into their world so completely I forget where I am. And finally, to my life partner, Linda Ortola, who put up with my long hours away from her in the researching and writing of this novel, I want to let her know how much it meant to me to have her support. I can’t thank her enough. I couldn’t have done it without her.

And as always, many thanks to my beta readers and my publisher, Next Chapter Publishing; as always you are right there to take care of all the little things and bumps in the road.