Most of the time writing is such a solitary activity: hours at a desk, staring into space and living in the world inside my head. But the truth is, this book would not have been possible without the following amazing people:
Tamar Rydzinski: Quite simply, one phone call after a dreary day at the DMV changed my life. I could not ask for a better champion of my work. Thank you for believing in my writing, pushing me to make it sing, answering questions both significant and mundane with the same calm assurance, and for helping me keep my stiletto in the door.
Donna Bray: I have only dreamed of working with an editor as kind, down-to-earth, and savvy as you. Thank you for loving Wren and Grayson as much as I do, and for making me dig deeper in the story than I ever thought I could. (And thanks too for introducing me to Veronica Mars. Not sure how I made it this long without watching!)
Viana Siniscalchi: Thank you for your enthusiasm—your emails always feel like a smile delivered to my in-box.
Infinite thanks to the extraordinary team at Balzer + Bray and HarperCollins. I’m still pinching myself that there are so many talented and dynamic people working on this book. Thank you for making me feel like part of the family. Truly, I’m honored.
Erin Fitzsimmons: Thank you, thank you, thank you for such a gorgeous cover.
SCBWI, especially the regional chapters of NJSCBWI and SCBWI Carolinas: Thank you for all you do in creating a safe and welcoming haven for writers both new and seasoned.
The Bruegger’s Group: Thanks for encouraging me (and straining your voices over the cappuccino machine) when I only had a handful of chapters and doubted my ability to write from a boy’s POV. Thanks also for putting up with my Style Savvy obsession, and for the laughter.
Writer buds extraordinaire Meg Wiviott, Gale Sypher Jacob, Judy Palermo, Cindy Clemens, Laura Renegar, Niki Schoenfeldt, Kelly Dyksterhouse, Pat Enright, and my online Paper Wait family: Thank you for getting me, for loving my writing (even when I didn’t), and for calmly talking me down from the ledge during the “Why am I doing this again?” moments. This journey would not be the same without each of you, and I’m forever grateful for your friendship.
My parents, who provided countless hours of babysitting (and so much more) so I could attend my critique group. In a chaotic world, your quiet and unwavering support is my anchor.
My family and friends: You’ve all touched my life in your own special ways. I’m blessed to have you in my corner. Special shout-outs to my sister, Ruthanne, whose regular phone calls keep me sane; Dave, big brother and fiercest fan; Jerry, for blue sangria and for answering all my lawyer-type questions; and my mother-in-law, Mary, whose gentle encouragement and newspaper clippings buoyed many a day when I was down. For Denise, Beth, Kathy, Mil, Sue, and Jack, our friendship is pretty much the backbone of my life and the inspiration for everything. And many thanks to Rob, who speedily and thoroughly answered all of my police questions without thinking twice.
My own promises of amazing: You know who you are . . . This is what I’ve been doing at the computer. Thank you for being mostly patient, but thank you more for always being you. You keep me on my toes in the best way. Hugs and love.
And to Jim, my best friend, muse, and partner in crime who always makes me feel like Samantha Baker at the end of Sixteen Candles. I love you. Let’s get a cupcake.