Deborah Annette Shaw

We have finally finished the TIDES Series! I have been working on this series since 2009 when I received the inspiration, but I wrote "We" because this was a team effort. Jim Bahler, my editor for the series, was indispensable. Several friends jumped on board to proof each book, some friends pre-read the books and let me know their thoughts on things I should add or change. I was receptive to their suggestions, and I believe it made for a better series overall.

While the acknowledgments in each book list each person who helped with that particular book, I would like to add a special thank you here to those friends who helped me the most. Firstly, my sister, Bobbi Jo, who is my "bestest" friend in the whole world. Then to Connie, Pat, Margaret, Linda, Meredith, Michelle, Beth, Aunt Edie, Julie and Brenda for their proofing, critiquing, and suggestions. Lastly, but certainly not the least, Allen Heimberger for four beautiful matching covers. If you wonder about the colors, they are cloud colors: yellow to orange, orange to red, orange to pink, and pink to purple. Allen also did a beautiful job on the island map in RIPTIDE, and the house schematic in TSUNAMI to help readers visualize what I saw in my mind.

I would like to thank one more very significant person who also became my friend although we haven't met yet: Jo J., the TIDES Series #1 Fan! She wants to be the first to order every book; she reads it within a few days to let me know what she thinks, and she keeps in touch with me via email to encourage me to keep going even when obstacles seem insurmountable. At these times, Jo supported me and helped me keep my eye on completing the series no matter what. I had to for her and my wonderfully supportive family!

The series is unlike any other mermaid fantasy tale you are likely to read. I deliberately did not read mermaid/merman stories because I wanted TIDES to be different, not limited by convention or traditional concepts. I have a vivid imagination that sometimes gets me into trouble (not as much now that I'm older, but still...), but makes for fun reading. At least, that is what people tell me.

I hope if you like the series, you will write a review on Amazon.com. Reviews help! Thank you!

I am not an active blogger (too busy working on this series), but if you would like to follow my blog, it is: deborahannetteshaw.blogspot.com/