When I write my book, the last two things I write are the dedication and the acknowledgements.
I usually finish them up about three days before it’s due to my formatter. I need to think and reflect. Also, I know I’m going to forget something or someone, so I put it off. Now that I type this, I probably should rethink my plan. Anyway, there’s something so personal about writing both of those pieces for me. So many people along the way that help to shape the book, shape me, and shape where my head is at.
This time, the dedication for Say You’ll Stay was probably one of the most painful and cathartic things I’ve ever written.
First, I thanked the man who I thought was my everything for hurting me. By him letting me go it allowed me to find my husband. I know so many of you hate instalove, but I’ve lived it. I met my husband right after my break-up. It was a “summer fling”. A month later I was professing my love, and a year later, we were married. So, I’m THAT girl. I truly thank him, even though I’ve named a villain after him in my book … you’re welcome. (Don’t judge, you’d do it, too.)
Second, I’ve been pretty honest with everyone who knows me about my family. My parents divorced when I was nine (insert Beloved’s prologue). I was a daddy’s girl and it wrecked my world. Through my publishing journey, I’ve met so many who share very similar stories. But I was tired of living in my past.
Tired of letting one moment define a large part of my self-worth.
So …
I let it go.
I wrote words that I’ll never say to his face. Things that I’ve held inside, questioned, wondered why I wasn’t good enough … but no more.
I got a call from two family members who read my books. Both of them cried reading it. They’ve seen me through the years grapple with how a man who was supposed to be there just disappear. Not only did he leave, he left me with parting words of not being “worth the trouble”. As a mother, I don’t get it. Then again, it’s probably a good thing. You know that saying … if you understand crazy, you’re probably crazy, too? I’m going to take that as a good sign. I don’t get him.
Writing Catherine’s story was necessary for me. I needed to let the broken little girl out. My scared, sad, desperate-to-be-loved self healed through that.
Writing this dedication allowed me to feel stronger about the broken girl who is learning to heal.
Karie Gibson says
You just brought me to tears. I love your story and I’m glad you are leaving your past where it belongs.
Christina Veach says
I’m sitting here crying reading this Beloved and Beholden touched a place in my heart that I thought my husband had fixed from the part my first love had destroyed being able to love again is one thing but TRUST is a whole other place thank you Corrine I know though your stories i know the difference by the way You Rock
Linda wenzel says
I happy your leaving the past behined .
The future is always better
Lisa M. says
Glad you were able to heal, even if it was just a little bit. Love your stories to pieces so thank you for letting us into your world.
Kristy B. says
Love you. Proud of you.
Cassandra says
I hope that someday I can be as strong as you are!
Julie says
It takes courage to share a part of yourself privately much less publicly. Thank you for being so open about the issues you tackle-good and bad-and for leaving pieces of yourself in each book. For me that’s why your books resonate so strongly; your passion literally pours through the pages in such a way that I can’t help BUT become invested in the characters and their journey! It takes a very unique and special writer to achieve that level of emotion from readers.
Dawnette says
Thank you for this book it was so beautifully written. Every detail contained feelings that hit so deep. I have to tell you I was sobbing by the first Chapter. You see this hit so close to home. My brother committed suicide by hanging at age 27. The details in your story rocked me to my core! I didn’t know about this scene and almost put the book down however through those embedded emotions I pushed through. Feelings I hadn’t gone through in so long. You captured and embraced so much emotion in this story. I loved every minute of this book. Thank you for writting so purely passionate and giving us this story. I have read all of your books and will never be disappointed. You have touched my heart and soul????????
MyMy says
Oh, guess you can make me cry here as well as your books, huh?
Tight suffocating hugs your way!!
Marisa says
You are strong and brave. This a perfect outlet for you. Thank you for touching my life. Your stories are phenomenal.
Joyce Baker says
Corinne, I have not read your books, however while browsing, this site, I saw “Bell Buckle” and remembered the quilt, then realized I am back in Huntsville now and Bell Buckle is close enough I can go again, I began to plan a trip and as if it were also Christmas learning of the number of your books available for an adventure in reading a new, to me, author’s work.
Write this down: “Being happy is the best revenge.” Author unknown.
Diane says
Very strong and courageous is what I think. Thank you for writing such amazing stories.