To Sir Hubby, With Love
Jan 19th 2008
Sabrina JeffriesOn Writing!
No, this isn’t going to be about my husband (lucky for him, since he’s kind of a private person). It’s actually about something we don’t talk about much–dedications. The kind that you put in books.
You see, I’m a Dedication Whore. I like to spread the love around. I’ve dedicated books to my parents, siblings, writer friends in different assortments, son’s teachers, a group of Celtic musicians, my agent, my editor, coffeehouses I wrote at, and yes, hubby. It took a really big village to create THIS writer, and by golly I’m going to thank every one of them if I have to write 50 more books to do it.
But my way isn’t the only way. Some authors are One Dedication Ponies, who mention the same person every book–”To my mentor, Carrot Top, as always.” Then there are the Mysterious Dedicators, who’ll dedicate to “the blossoms of my life” or some other cryptic entity, making me wonder if they’ve taken a few too many hits of monitor cleaner. Some don’t dedicate at all–for reasons only they can explain (I will admit to having been in a bind once or twice myself and forgetting to put it in).
I do sometimes wonder if anybody reads them other than the dedicatee. Do you? Does it make you curious about the people mentioned? What is the most memorable dedication you’ve ever noticed? Or is front matter just the part that slows you down on the way to the story? And if you were ever to write a book and get it published, who would be the lucky recipient of your very first dedication?
45 Comments »
45 Responses to “To Sir Hubby, With Love”
evlqn on 19 Jan 2008 at 4:23 am #
Yes, I read the dedications. I am always curious about what the author thinks is important for the successful completion of a book. If I ever had the drive and talent to write a book, I would include Mrs. Holloway in the dedication. She was my Senior English teacher and understood my need to read, and she let me take four English classes for fun because I had already completed my English credits in my Junior year.
Karen Rose on 19 Jan 2008 at 7:17 am #
Evlqn - that’s so wonderful! As a former teacher, that makes me smile.
Sabrina, I dedicated my first book “To my husband, Martin, who has always loved me just the way that I am.”
It’s a Martina McBride reference to her song “My Baby Loves Me.” Her album came out in ‘93, the same year I discovered country music and the same year I started writing. My husband has been my loudest cheerleader from day one and has been on the dedication page in every book.
Karen Rose on 19 Jan 2008 at 7:28 am #
Oh, and I always read the dedications! It’s like a little peek into the author’s world.
Cookiedough on 19 Jan 2008 at 8:47 am #
yes, I read the dedications. It makes me know the writer better, especially if there is not just the dry list of “the author wishes to thank….”
I was recently acknowledged in a book about Lost. As a regular contributor to *gasp* another blog, I was thanked, among others.
so cool!
Nikki Stafford has written books about Buffy( Bite Me) and a few other shows as well.
Freedom Writer on 19 Jan 2008 at 8:56 am #
The dedications at the front of the book are a must read, but they are sometimes cryptic. My first book will probably be dedicated to DH, unless someone better comes along like Colin Firth, Hugh Jackman, Johnny Depp or Adrian Paul.
cookeemama on 19 Jan 2008 at 9:07 am #
I’ve read dedications for as long as I can remember and enjoy them. They are part of the book, IMHO.
I like the peek into who the author’s family, friends, editors, etc are. One author whose dedications I’ve always gotten a kick out of is Julia Quinn. “For Paul who……”. I think Paul must be a pretty nice guy. I enjoy reading the list of your writing buddies and email author circles. People who’ve given support when you are staring at a blank page and help you kick ideas around. Then, hug you, virtually or IRL and send you back in a better frame of mind to fill that page with something good.
Here’s to you, all you dedicatees. The person Iwould dedicate a book to would be my daddy who always believed in me and a great English teacher, Mrs. Carruth. She furthter honed my love of words & their sounds.
cookeemama on 19 Jan 2008 at 9:08 am #
I should also mention that I read all the stuff that comes before the title page too.
Margaret
Judy F on 19 Jan 2008 at 9:12 am #
I always read them. Some make me laugh, some cry. some confused. LOL But they are like a peek into the authors world. I have even had my name in a dedication a time or two. That was extra special.
I would think if I ever wrote anything my first dedication would be to my parents. Esp my mom who gave me my love of books.
doglady on 19 Jan 2008 at 9:15 am #
I have to agree that I always read the dedication pages and the thank you pages. It reemphasizes the fact that while writing can be a solitary endeavor, but it does not mean one does it completely alone.
I like dedications to pets almost as much as I do the dedications to family and friends. I think Karen Hawkins has one in one of her books. Sitting on your feet while you write may not seem like a big deal to the average person, but it is a big deal to me. Everyone should have at least one creature in their lives who thinks they hung the moon!
My first dedication would have to be to my DH. I wrote on and off for years and he was always so supportive and encouraging. I wish I could have been published before I lost him, but I know he would be proud of me. IF I ever finish the revisions on the book!!! IF it ever gets published!
Of course my list of thank yous would include so many people, including the gang at the Goddess Blogs
Lisa H on 19 Jan 2008 at 9:30 am #
I always read the dedications. My favorite one so far was John Steinbeck’s in East of Eden (which I think is one of the greatest books ever). Anyway, he said something to the effect that this (book) was a box and he had put everything he had into it. While I can’t quote it verbatum, I thought it was eloquent and very touching.
Thinking positively, I will say, WHEN my first book gets published I will dedicate it to my husband and children who financially and emotionally supported me through the writing there of.
I too always read all the acknowledgements as well, and yes I would someday include all the writers who have spoken encouraging words and given helpful tips (Thank you Sabrina for your character chart)
My critique groups and the confrences that provided teaching and encouragement. Yes in this case, it does take a villiage.
Lisa H on 19 Jan 2008 at 9:31 am #
Sabrina - I wondered about the prositute pic in the blog, and I think I get it now! LOL
jessie e on 19 Jan 2008 at 9:46 am #
I love reading the dedications. My favorites are the dedications to a group of fellow writers because it makes me think of the Algonquin Round Table, or things like the Concert for Bangladesh, where all these great minds and talents come together.
Also, I have to agree with cookeemama and say that Julia Quinn’s dedications are my favorite dedications from a single author. They’re always funny and sweet.
If I wrote a book, I would have to make my first dedication to my parents, because they always encourage me and think that I’m brilliant even when I’m not.
Sabrina Jeffries on 19 Jan 2008 at 10:10 am #
Lisa, I must confess that I had a difficult time coming up with pictures for this blog. I mean, dedications aren’t really visual, you know? But the “whore” connection couldn’t be passed up. Besides, I just loved the picture of a prostitute protester!
I’m always ambivalent about dedicating books to my parents, since they don’t exactly approve of what I do, and they certainly don’t want to be seen as the instigators *G*. But I DO appreciate the fact that they encouraged me in pursuing my dreams, and that should always be lauded, even if it didn’t turn out quite how they would have wanted.
Sabrina Jeffries on 19 Jan 2008 at 10:41 am #
So what are some of the cryptic ones you’ve noticed?
Oh, and btw, KarenR, I should have KNOWN you’d be a One Dedication Pony!
RachelG on 19 Jan 2008 at 11:03 am #
I guess I’m the odd person out. I used to read dedications, but not so much these days.
I used to dedicate all my books to someone, but I don’t anymore. I guess I ran out of people to thank and I didn’t want to start repeating myself.
My favorite dedication that I wrote was in my second book, Truly Madly Yours, and was to my parents. My second fav was in my 4th book. I dedicated it to “the Big Kahuna.” Aka, Mr. G.
rachelg
Lisa H on 19 Jan 2008 at 11:34 am #
Another good dedication is in the movie, “Bridges of Madison County” At the end, when she gets his “effects” and the book he photographed with all the bridges says:
For “F”
meaning Francesca. Oh I loved that part!
Alice Audrey on 19 Jan 2008 at 11:39 am #
If I don’t skip the dedications I tend to find them irritating. They are most likely to talk about people I don’t know or care about.
dbrown3400 on 19 Jan 2008 at 11:59 am #
I do read the dedications because I always figure the author has someone to thank for a particular book, even if it’s her cat. I would dedicate my book, should I ever finish it, to my daughters, who sustain me through everything, with words from a Lonestar song, “We may be a thousand miles apart, but I’ll be with you wherever you are.” I almost wish I could change the the words to “you’ll be with me” but oh, well.
Like Jessie e, I do like the dedications where a writing group has encouraged a writer to finish a book.
Nicole Jordan on 19 Jan 2008 at 12:10 pm #
Oh, I love reading dedications! It makes the author more accessible somehow, and gives me a peek into her/his life.
But they aren’t very easy to come up with if you write your own! You run the risk of repetition or being to obscure or too sappy. But it makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside, like giving a gift to a special person or persons.
MizMacgyver on 19 Jan 2008 at 12:23 pm #
I read them, and often wonder about them. I think the most moving was an author that dedicated the book to her mother. Her mother passed away before the book was published.
Karen Rose on 19 Jan 2008 at 12:44 pm #
I dedicate to friends, too, but DH is always in there, Sabrina!
The only dedication I’ve ever done to someone I’d never met was in my last book. DIE FOR ME was dedicated to the memory of my editor’s father, who passed away unexpectedly the spring I wrote that book’s proposal. He was a professor of medieval history and in his obituaries it was obvious how very much he’d been loved by family, friends, colleagues, and students.
One obit mentioned that he’d built castles with blocks on the living room floor with his daughters, when they were small and that just caught my heart. There’s a scene in DFM where Sophie builds castles out of blocks with Vito’s nephews and it’s one of my favorite scenes in that book.
Sometimes the dedications in a book go deeper than the words on the front page. That’s one of the things I love about being an author.
ladydawgfan on 19 Jan 2008 at 12:47 pm #
I also love reading the dedications. They can be an interesting insight into the author’s world, who she hangs out with, who she tosses ideas off of. Sappy, straightforward, funny, or repetative, I love them all.
My own dedication would be to my parents who instilled a love of books and reading from the time I knew what a book was (and stopped chewing on the bindings!), my sister who introduced me to romances long ago, and to the Goddesses here at Mt Oly for all of their help and encouragement.
Julia London on 19 Jan 2008 at 1:45 pm #
I always read dedications and author notes. I am hit or miss on dedicating books myself–I have thanked the important people in my life and it starts to feel gratuitous after more than one. So I skip it sometimes. But then I will do something that seems completely obvious to me — like dedicating a book to my siblings. My God, you would think I won an Oscar and mentioned them all by name on the big stage. It made me realize that it does mean something to those close to me, so now I am going to make the rounds again
ilovetoread on 19 Jan 2008 at 1:52 pm #
I like reading the dedications because it gives a little glimpse into who “helped” with the book. Sometimes the DH knows a little shoulder massage will get the creative juices flowing again, sometimes it may take a phone call with a friend/editor to clear up some frustration, etc. Yes, even the cat or dog sitting faithfully by, or rubbing against a leg, can remind you that you are loved, to inspire inspiration and creativity. These are some of the reasons why I like reading the dedication pages in the books that I read.
Judy F on 19 Jan 2008 at 2:02 pm #
One of the funniest I have ever read are MaryJanice Davidson’s they just crack me up.
Sabrina Jeffries on 19 Jan 2008 at 3:04 pm #
I’ve read some funny ones–I’ll have to see if I can find them.
As an author, as Julia and Rachel said, it IS hard to come up with them after you’ve been doing it a while. But then, the other day I realized that I’ve never dedicated a book to my son’s caregivers. Sheesh! Now I know who to dedicate the new one to. They’re always so wonderful with him.
Haven Rich on 19 Jan 2008 at 3:43 pm #
I always read the dedications! I like seeing them.
My favorite ones are Julia Quinn’s. Her “And to Paul” is something not to miss!
I’ve already decided when I’m published, I’m going to dedicate my books to my cats. Yup! My cats! After all, Spike (a really large jocky-type tux cat) has been my co-author for a long while. By co-author I mean, laying on the keyboard with my hands busy at work under his fluffy belly and his head between me and the screen. I thank the heavens I don’t have to see what I type, I’d be screwed if I did!
So I dedicate this post to Sabbath, who without his help, I might have finished 5 minutes before now.
Karen Hawkins on 19 Jan 2008 at 5:19 pm #
i love dedications, though I don’t always put on in there. I always read them when I’m reading a book, though, and I love them.
My next book has a dedication to a friend of mine who always says, “Hey, when are you going to put me in a book?” Then he’ll show me his profile and say, “Remember to say I have steely-blue eyes!”
Well, you’ll see what I wrote in my dedication.
Sabrina Jeffries on 19 Jan 2008 at 5:39 pm #
Good idea, Karen! I’ll have to keep that in mind for the friends of mine (yes, it does seem to be guys) who keep asking when I’m going to put them in a book. I ought to put some of them in as the aging, balding guys they really are … but make them the heroines’ fathers! THAT would show them.
Kim on 19 Jan 2008 at 7:20 pm #
I always read the dedications. Its the first thing I read. Not to be a broken record but I really like JQ’s too. They crack me up. And well, I like Eloisa’s too *g*
KarenH–LOL!
Suzanne Enoch on 19 Jan 2008 at 7:36 pm #
I read someone’s — can’t remember whose — that said “This one’s for me, because it’s the one I always wanted to write.” I always liked that one.
Because of quick deadline turnarounds, etc., I do occasionally forget to put in a dedication. I hate when I do that.
Kelly Ann on 19 Jan 2008 at 7:39 pm #
I do love to read them as well. I think they are great and as much a part of the book as the beginning & end. I can’t think of any that really stand out to me in particular at the moment, I am tired. I do like reading books dedicated to sisters and mothers who are supportive. Very nice!
If I were to write a book I don’t think I would know who to dedicate it to until I was finished writing it. I would like to know why some of them are written, they can be vague, for sure.
What I think are awesome are notes at the end that really explain what the author was feeling or thinking in writing the book or even explaining a certain part of the book and why they added it. I do love those!
Santa on 19 Jan 2008 at 8:01 pm #
I love reading dedications.
I already have my first dedication all set up. I’d also like to do an acknowledgement page for my CP, my cyber-friends and for all those authors who’ve encouraged me along the way.
Can first time authors have an acknowledgment page?
Oh, and how could I forget my DH who can’t wait for me to publish ‘his retirement plan’. I keep telling him I’m writing a contemporary romance not a financial planning guide. I’ve no idea what he’s talking about!
Lisa H on 19 Jan 2008 at 9:16 pm #
Kim - I saw your name in Eloisa’s. You must be one amazing handmaiden!
Lisa H on 19 Jan 2008 at 9:19 pm #
I’m dedicating one of my books to Johnny Depp - maybe his girlfriend will pick it up and say, “Oh look Johnny…” (in her French accent) and he will be so bowled over he will come to visit me at my house, under the cover of a starlit sky…I’ll be just climbing into bed in something black and silky…a knock upon the door, his dark smoldering eyes meeting mine…
It could all begin from a dedication!
(You guys must think I’m nuts!)
doglady on 19 Jan 2008 at 9:36 pm #
We do, Lisa, but you are in good company and we love you anyway! Hey, girls, anyone up for a good kidnapping party to make Lisa’s dream come true?
Sabrina Jeffries on 19 Jan 2008 at 9:39 pm #
Okay, if I thought that would EVER happen, I’d dedicate a book to Johnny tomorrow, I swear!
And yes, Santa, first-time authors CAN have an acknowledgments page.
anneriailin on 20 Jan 2008 at 4:26 pm #
I love reading the dedications. I really like seeing who influenced the author. Like many other people said, it’s a little insight into the authors life. I read them all. Sometimes they intrigue me and sometimes they touch the heart.
–dorothy
TheNightPoet on 21 Jan 2008 at 4:01 am #
Yep, I read the dedications. I always wonder who the people are and I smile when there is a cute message that goes along with the dedication.
Lisa, I like your idea of dedicating your first book to Johnny Depp! hehe
If it really happened to where he would come to your house, I think every writer out there would dedicate their books to their famous idols/studs in hopes of them coming to their houses. Although, I think Hugh Jackman would be a very busy man, going to visit all the goddesses that would end up dedicating their books to him! hehe Am I right ladies? 
Andrea
Jessica on 21 Jan 2008 at 8:51 am #
I’ve always wanted a dedication. When I get ready to turn my master’s dissertation we get to submit a dedication page and I’m going to have lots of trouble finding who to dedicate it to other than my parents and my sister. LOL!
Julie on 21 Jan 2008 at 5:42 pm #
Yes, I’ve learned how important it is to take the time to read the dedications. And heck yes I get curious! Thank goodness for Google!
Of course when I was younger, I’d skim over the dedication page. I couldn’t wait to get to the important stuff.
Foolish me.
The most memorable dedication I ever read took me 23 years to notice. In 1983 my sisters and I bought a book as a Mothers Day gift for our Mom. I remember… we sat around the living room… taking turns reading the stories out loud… laughing until our stomachs hurt.
What a funny book.
What a funny writer.
In the spring of 2006 I came across an old copy of that “funny book”. It was at my local library. Sitting on a little cart full of used books that had been donated by the patrons. “Gosh,” I thought, “this book shouldn’t be homeless. It’s so funny… and it’s only a quarter…”
The intro begins with the author making wisecracks about Yorkshire terriers. The words that follow are comical, quirkily philosophical, and more than a little shocking. She asks for compassion and understanding. Then she Dares you to judge.
Oh man.
I had thought that I “knew” this book. But I didn’t. I didn’t because I hadn’t paid attention to the dedication… which explained why the book had been written.
Technically speaking, Erma doesn’t call it a dedication.
But it is there… on page 3… in the Introduction.
Erma wrote “… women who have been dealt a hand for life and play each card one at a time the best way they no how.” This is a book dedicated to mothers. All kinds of mothers. Even mothers who do the unspeakable. Erma goes on to write “This book was written to late for Judy, a mother who…”
Dear God. I closed the book when I read those words. I closed my eyes too. For 23 years I had thought that this was just meant to be a funny book.
Even now, reading the next few lines will bring tears to my eyes. Judy was in prison for killing her own children. While incarcerated she passed the time reading Erma’ Bombeck’s books. In a letter to the author Judy wrote: “Had I known mothers could laugh at those things, I probably wouldn’t be here today.”
Dear God. I wouldn’t know how to respond to a letter like that. But Erma knew what to do. She wrote a serious book. A serious book that was also seriously funny.
Which isn’t surprising … since this was a book that chronicled the struggles woman faced trying to be… Mothers!
Read the introduction for yourself. IMO, it contains one of the most memorable dedications that you will ever come across. Then read the rest of Erma Bombeck’s “Motherhood The Second Oldest Profession”.
Sabrina Jeffries on 21 Jan 2008 at 8:36 pm #
Wow, Julie, that really IS an interesting dedication. And what a story! Thanks for sharing.
And NightPoet, me dedicate a book simply so I can meet Hugh Jackman? Never! I wouldn’t THINK of it. Okay, so I might think of it, but I wouldn’t actually DO it. Okay, so I might DO it, but …
Oh, who am I kidding? I’d do it in a heartbeat!
TheNightPoet on 22 Jan 2008 at 12:29 am #
hehe Sabrina, I knew you probably would.
It’s just too tempting….. 
Andrea
Sybil on 22 Jan 2008 at 4:00 pm #
I always read them cuz I am nosy like that… and found out recently I am in two coming out soon. Uber coolio sez I. Good thing I have read them cuz I would hate to have to give a really bad review to a book I get mentioned in…
Sabrina Jeffries on 22 Jan 2008 at 6:50 pm #
Sybil, does that mean if we dedicate a book to a reviewer, we guarantee a good review? *G*