Being an author is one of those dreams that you can’t make come true by yourself. So many people played an integral part in bringing this book to life, and I am grateful to each of you, named here and unnamed, every day.
Lauren McKenna and Elana Cohen, I knew from the first minute we talked that we spoke the same language. I have loved every minute of working with you two. Thank you both for your insight and your vision not only for Slightly South of Simple, but for my career. Thank you for your advice and your peerless editing. I am already a better writer because of you, and I can’t wait to do this all over again.
To everyone at Gallery Books, especially Louise Burke, Jen Bergstrom, and Kristin Dwyer: You are the dream team. No doubt about it. I can’t express how thrilled I am to be a small part of the amazing things you do.
My fairy book mother, Kathie Bennett, there are really no words to thank you. You are a champion, a friend, and a defender of all that is good in the book world. I am so lucky to have you in my life! Susan Zerenda, thank you, thank you, for your tireless effort, beautiful writing, and, maybe most important of all, incredible organization.
Sabina Hitchen, you are like a big handful of glitter mixed with genius. Thanks for your tireless work and fantastic ideas.
Bob Diforio, can you believe this is our third book together? Time flies. Thanks for taking a chance on me and for believing in me always.
Elizabeth Fletcher, you are one of those unique people who is wonderful at the big picture and the small details. I can’t wait to see your vision come to life.
Thanks to everyone who opened their homes to the Slightly South of Simple book tour. What a gift! You are, quite simply, amazing!
To my husband, Will, who has tirelessly supported my chasing of this dream: You are always the hero I write.
Tamara Welch, you are a true jewel and I couldn’t do this without you! Andrea Katz, your unflagging support has meant the world to me. Thank you for sharing your expertise. Kristy Barrett (Sweet Bee!), Jennifer O’Regan, Jim Himes, Susan Walters Peterson, Courtney Marzilli, Susan Roberts, Jenny Collins Belk, Kristin Thorvaldsen, Judy Collins, Donna Cimorelli, Kathy Murphy, Nicole McManus, Jill Hendrix, Wanda Jewell, and Shari Smith, you have been champions for me since the day I announced my first book deal and have helped me believe in myself. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Thanks to my Design Chic readers for being so amazing every day and for embracing my books as much as the blog. To my blogger friends who have been here for me and helped me every step of the way, it is because of you that my books are out in the world and that people know to read them. I am in awe of all you do and so grateful for your help.
Mary Alice Monroe, my “big sister,” thank you for your guidance, your advice, your generosity, and your huge heart. How blessed I am to know you!
Elin Hilderbrand, there aren’t enough “thank yous” for your incredible endorsement of my work. You are such an inspiration!
And, of course, my Tall Poppy Writers—you have taught me everything about this business and always have my back. I love being on this journey with each of you.
Special thanks to all the booksellers who have adopted my book babies as their own. Thank you for recommending me to your readers and for fighting to keep our industry strong. You are incredible, and I am honored to work with you.
Donna and Jerry Henderson, thank you for letting me do what I love, for being the home away from home for my son. You are our family, and we couldn’t do this without you.
Thank you to my parents, Beth and Paul Woodson, who have stepped up in every imaginable way to help me do what I love—and for raising me to believe that I could do anything.
Thank you to my mother-in-law, Dottie Harvey, for spending hours on the phone with me dreaming and plotting out every detail of this entire series so that I could pitch it. I love your stories and am so appreciative of how much you love mine!
My son, Will, you will always be the very best thing I will ever do with my life. Thank you for being the best little traveler when you go with me, and saying, “I missed you, but I had fun,” when I have to leave you at home. I hope you look back on these years as an adventure!
Thank you to my family for making me who I am and for always encouraging me to do what I love. Your support means everything.
You, the reader who holds this book, we may not be blood, but we are family now too. Thank you for spending time with my words. I am forever indebted to you for not only reading, but also for taking the time to write reviews, send me emails, write me notes, come to my talks and events . . . It means the world. I hope to bring you just an ounce of the happiness you have brought to me.