I’m honored, dear reader, that you cared about what happened to Orion and Dram, even after the last pages of Flashfall. It’s you I have to thank most of all for this sequel.
I’m grateful for every encouraging e-mail, post, video, and tweet from those of you the story touched, who wanted Orion to see the stars as much as I did. You are honorary Subpars, and whether you knew it or not, you had my back while I was deep in the writing cave on this one. Thank you. Nos sumus fortunati!
To my amazing editor, Kate Farrell, who guided me so skillfully as I waded out into Book Two waters: I still pinch myself that I get to work with you. Thank you for believing in me and throwing your support behind an ore scout and her marker.
Once, I was just a girl lost in the land of Slush Pile, and a very extraordinary agent plucked me out and dusted off this quirky mining story called Subpars. She made me change the name and add more “light” to the “dark places.” I will always be grateful to you, Sarah Davies. Here’s to more adventures to come.…
To all the wonderful people at Macmillan, especially the amazing team at Henry Holt: so many of you helped bring Flashtide to life and I’m grateful. Special thanks to Rachel Murray for the early read, support, and all-around awesomeness; Kathleen Breitenfield for the gorgeous cover; and Brittany Pearlman, along with the rest of the publicity and marketing teams who have been such a vital support.
Special thanks to the teachers, librarians, booksellers, and book bloggers who have shared their enthusiasm for the Flashfall series. Thank you for all the ways you’ve helped this story land into just the right hands.
Very special thanks to Anissa de Gomery of FairyLoot, and Korrina Ede of OwlCrate. You both are amazing, and your support means more than I can say!
To my friends and family who have supported me in countless ways, and shared this publishing journey with me: I love you and I’m so thankful for you.
I couldn’t have written Flashtide without the incredible support of my husband, Jacob, and our boys, Caden, Landon, and Hezekiah. You encourage me to explore the wild places in my mind, then give me the best place to come home to.
And finally, to the dreamers: Orion’s story was born in my heart at a time when I thought my publishing dreams were beyond reach. I decided to write a character who got knocked down again and again but still believed there was a way through, and who had the resilience, courage, and faith to get back up. Her journey inspired mine, and I hope it encourages you to keep reaching for the stars, even when you can’t see them.
Run hard, you dreamers and Outliers, and never give up.
Invictus maneo.