On Friday, my editor nudged me to write the dedication for INDEFENSIBLE (January 2011), the second book in my Kate Lange thriller series. It was a good time to decide to whom I should dedicate this book, because this month has been one of the most transformative in my professional life. DAMAGED, my debut novel, released in June, and I've experienced the culmination of a 35 year old dream.

Given that, it has made me reflect on that journey from childhood dream to professional achievement. And I decided I wanted to thank some of the most influential teachers in my life. One of those teachers was my father, a mechanical engineer with a brilliant mind. He used to ask me questions, forcing me to analyse and rationalize my responses. As a parent, I now appreciate the gift he gave me, because it takes great patience to allow one's child to figure things out on their own. Thank you, Dad.

And thus, my dedication reads:

For those who taught me along the way:

My father, Martyn Callow, who made me figure out the answers for myself;
My junior high English teacher, who fanned the spark;
And the late Bill Martinson, a trusted mentor and treasured friend.

Happy Father's Day to all those dads out there.

Pam