The Commons in my world has been peopled with extraordinary individuals for whom I am deeply grateful.
Representing the Hall of Shape is Mary Kate Castellani, a dream editor, who put order to my chaos and shape to what was often formless. She knew exactly how much line and how much circle was needed. I am grateful for her editorial skills, her astute questions, and her goodness.
In the Hall of Manufactory is the Bloomsbury group, a crowd of people who know how to take stardust and turn it into a book. They championed this story and brought it into being and for that I’m grateful: Jill Amack, Erica Barmash, Anna Bernard, Bethany Buck, Liz Byer, Beth Eller, Cristina Gilbert, Melissa Kavonic, Jeanette Levy, Cindy Loh, Donna Mark, Lizzy Mason, Linda Minton, Brittany Mitchell, Oona Patrick, Emily Ritter, Claire Stetzer. Many thanks also to Ian Schoenherr for his illustrations.
Michelle Witte, an agent in the Hall of Motion, understands how publishing moves: she found the perfect home for my manuscript. Plus, she uses Wonder Woman stamps. I’m so thankful that she is my advocate.
Much love and gratitude to my fellow Hall of Hue apprentices and masters, my Vermont College of Fine Arts community, those who bring color to this world of ours. Special thanks goes to Sarah Ellis and Tim Wynne-Jones who aided me with early drafts. Kathi Appelt and Martine Leavitt gave me a foundation and a springboard. Julie Berry, who is a kindred spirit and friend for the eternities, read draft after draft. S3Q2, my Beverly Shores group, and in particular, Varian Johnson, generous friend and willing dance partner, thank you.
The people in my Hall of Sound listened to me as I talked out plot and story problems, character and motivation. Much gratitude to William Johnson, Adi Rule, Erin Moulton, and Cheryl Coupe.
Early readers and workshop members make up my Hall of Scent. Their influence was a balm to me. Sue Gong, Catherine Linka, Mima Tipper, Larissa Theule, Rachel Wilson, Linden McNeilly, Mary Winn Heider, Sue LaNeve, Jennifer Taylor, Amy Rose Capetta, Anna Jordan, and the members of Sharon Darrow and Alan Cumyn’s workshop (Erik Talkin, Mari Talkin, Carol Lynch Williams, Galen Longstreth, Maha Adasi, Simon Fill, Pam Watts, Margaret Crocker, Paul Houser). I am grateful for your encouragement.
And finally, in my Hall of Gustation are those who feed my soul: William, Samuel, and Will Johnson, my three most beloveds; Robin Woodruff (because truly I owe it all to her); and Beth Slazak, who always, always makes me laugh.