I’d like to shine the spotlight on six persons of “the human persuasion” who helped make my story about an irrepressible sock monkey named Throckmorton and Annaliese, the young girl whom he loved, the best book that it could be. I am deeply indebted to: Andrea Welch, my insightful and delightful editor, for her gentle yet challenging editorial guidance; Linda Pratt, my amazing agent, for believing in me as a writer and steadfastly promoting my work; Sarah Jane Wright, for bringing both whimsy and emotion to the characters through her charming illustrations; Lauren Rille, for her artistic vision and engaging book design; Donna Studer, a dear friend, for her unwavering enthusiasm and astute editorial assistance; and my kind and generous husband, Ralph, for his stalwart support, be it moral, editorial, technical, or culinary.
Now that The Secrets of Eastcliff-by-the-Sea is finally out in the world, I also see in my mind the smiling faces of innumerable writing colleagues and friends in the Twin Cities book community who have encouraged me along the way. Thanks to all of you who have listened to a chapter, cheered me on, read a draft, provided invaluable feedback, and gifted me with an entire cast of sock monkeys to keep me company while I wrote.
And, of course, extra special thanks to my family: Erin, Martin, Tadhg, Naoise, Jonathan, Lynn, Walden, Albert, Britt, Marcus, Janine, and Zaak, as well my canine companions, Daisy and Tango. Thank you for simply being yourselves—loving and loyal, very good listeners—and for enriching my life with your never-ending smiles.