I have a confession to make. Up until I started writing novels, I use to totally ignore Dedications in books. The good news is I’ve changed. In fact, I have changed so much, that now the Dedication is the first thing I look for.
So, does that mean Dedications are important and play a role in writing the novel? The answer is ‘Absolutely, yes!’
My initial reaction to them was ‘It’s nice’ and I would compare them to the long list of ‘I thanks’ that stars winning Oscars rattle off. Today I realize Dedications not only serve a purpose but also fall into different categories.
What categories can Dedications possibly fall into? Here are the three main ones. I am sure that there are others.
THE STAND
The Dedications in The Drop of the Hammer and in The Marquetry Box (this last title/novel is still in the researching stage) definitely come under The Stand category. In both cases, the aim of my novel is to denounce historical events, that I feel should never have taken place, and my Dedication is that crystal moment where I take my stand.
In The Drop of the Hammer, I stand against the atrocities of the Burning Times, and I write:
“This book is dedicated to Jehenne Anseau, and all the other women who were accused, tortured, and burned at the stake during The Burning Times.”
In The Marquetry Box, I stand against the atrocities that occurred in the French penal colony that was operated for more than 100 years, from 1852 to 1953, in the Salvation Islands of French Guyana, and I write:
I dedicate this novel to the men and women who were sent to French Guyana to purge their sentences. Some completed their sentence and survived, but many more died than those who survived. At its worst, there was a 75% death rate. No matter what the crime was, big or small, it remains a fact that the Penal System in the French Guyanas represents a 101-year crime against humanity.
THE THANK YOU
This one speaks for itself. In My Darling Ron, I thank the lady who inspired me. For sure, she has no idea she inspired me, but I want to thank her anyway.
THE CRYPTIC MESSAGE
In The Epiphany of Geert Vandiest , (which will come out end of 2021 on Amazon), I write the following Dedication:
This book is dedicated to Morris Felton who was there, the day it happened.
When what happened? When? Read the novel when it comes out and maybe you will discover what and when.
If you have other categories, do please let me know.
The Joys of Writing 