I will dedicate this first book to my father, the high school English teacher J. Michael Thompson. He believed in all his students, including me, and left bold fingerprints on everyone he met.

            Would you join me on my epic journey, pack your rucksack and travel beside me on my impetuous venture to publication? My grandfathers were prudent men–to a fault–and blunt; “Don’t be a writer,” they said. But can you dream with me anyway, even against the longest of odds? Could we team up, through mutual encouragement, to produce images and dialogue so wonderful that they will endure beyond our lifetimes? Might we create an art, through the frailty of pen and ink, that speaks to hungry souls for generations?

            This writer’s road continues beyond the horizon, across the canyons, through deserts littered with bones. I shade my lonesome eyes and squint into the setting sun. But if you partner with me, this unlikely adventure could become our quest—yours and mine. Indeed, I hope every reader becomes my equal partner. Do not the reader and writer ride together on their horses, alternating turns in the lead? Do they not tie down their hats, mount their sweaty beasts, and charge fearlessly together into the punishing heat, the blinding sandstorms, and the torrential rains?

            Maybe not always! But if you believe you can stick with me through this strenuous journey, would you leave me a comment at TroyAndrewThompson.com or write to me at TroyAThompsonMD@gmail.com? I would treasure your partnership.