An Elf With No Name

Chapter 2

As easy and fun as it would be to say, “I would like to thank myself for writing such an amazing tale”, that would be both inaccurate and arrogant. The former because, as those close to me will tell you, I’m not exactly skilled at cutting myself some slack. The latter because, well, to use a cliche phrase, “it takes a village”. You need people to step in and go “Hey, cut that bit”, like that piece of ridiculousness about a village in the previous sentence.

There was no need for that joke.

It looks foolish and unprofessional.

Anyways, I do have people I want to thank for getting me where I am. You certainly won’t, even though you’re the one who gets to own the book and enjoy the story that follows. I don’t hold that against you, of course, I recognize that you don’t exactly know who I’m talking about. Unless this isn’t your first time reading this novel. In which case, hey, thanks for enjoying this story enough to give it another shot, but also, why haven’t you reached out and thanked the other people yet? What the hell is wrong with you?

All right, that’s enough. Here’s a few people that I’m thankful for. As well as why I’m thankful (or, at least, what I’m willing to divulge to you, random reader of this novel).

I would like to thank Sir Terry Pratchett (RIP), Satoshi Kon, Jason Pargins, Xiran Jay Zhao, and all the other storytellers who have ever filled me with wonder, inspiration, or envy of their creativity.

A shout out to my writing group, the La Crosse Area Writer’s Guild (LAWG), who’ve given me the encouragement I need to see my ideas through fruition. Thanks for the laughs and the feels. I’m sorry for all the swearing. Kinda.

To C.J, who’s been far too supportive over the years of all of my endeavors, good or bad. You do know that, as my friend, you are supposed to know when to tell me to stop, right?

To Rich, for being my inside man. Thanks for letting me use you for your networking connections. Hopefully, you’re not going to regret it.

To Holly, for inspiring me to attempt novels in the first place. I know we haven’t talked in at least 16 years, and I wouldn’t blame you if you forgot all about me. But I’ve never forgotten your iron will in refusing to pay attention in class, and instead draw manga and write two full-length fantasy novels (dear Christ, what was your GPA like?). Hope you and your kid are doing well, wherever you are.

To my loving wife, Jori. I’m not sure where you’ve found all the love and support you’ve managed to pour into me, encouraging me even when you clearly should not. I know this whole “marriage” thing is new to both of us, but I am confident that we’ll figure it out along the way with minimal damage. Whatever happens, I’m sure I’ll enjoy it. I never imagined that I would find a partner as accepting and generous as you. I’d tell you to knock it off, but I’m a selfish man, so… Don’t stop. Gimme.

And finally, to my mother Julie, who discovered that I could read when she walked in on me with her copy of Green Mile at the age of 5. Relax folks, she soon replaced that book with Dr. Seuss. Personally, I think you had a good idea of the effect such a story would have on a young mind and just thought it would be fun to watch the corruption take hold, but that’s fine.

That’s what therapy’s for.

Thank you for sparking and kindling my yearning to seek out new and enthralling stories, and, eventually, to tell them. From one creative to another, please know that you have given me the greatest gift that one could truly enjoy: the ability to daydream. I only hope that you won’t come to regret it in the pages to come.