Years ago, I started writing a very different book, but in the wake of the loss of my beloved grandfather Robert DeWerd, to whom this book is dedicated, an earlier attempt at writing my family’s experience with the American Dream evolved into something more firmly rooted in fiction—and much more magical. While What We Sacrifice for Magic is no longer strictly based on my own family, there are echoes of my family in the Watry-Ridder family (Tater-Tot hot dish, for one) and elements of my Minnesotan upbringing in this book that I can’t wait for readers to encounter. I am grateful to the too-many-to-name sources that helped me make Elisabeth’s 1968 Minnesota ring as true as my own.
This book wouldn’t be what it is without the early reads and support from my dear friends, publishing colleagues, and writer-friends: Michelle Archer, Donna Freitas, Laura Peraza, Natalie Riera, Sophie Vershbow, and my VIM ladies: Katie Tull, Emma Caruso, and Kara Cesare. And I could not have gotten through revisions and querying and everything after without the ever-constant support of my writing group: Erin Cox and Jenn Proffitt.
I feel so lucky to have found the best partner, cheerleader, and editor in my agent, Kate McKean, and for the support of all of Morhaim Literary.
I owe a huge thank-you to the team at Alcove Press and Crooked Lane Books, especially my editor Holly Ingraham and cover designer Amanda Shaffer, for turning my words into the finished product you now hold in your hands. Thanks to Mikaela Bender, Mia Bertrand, Dulce Botello, Rachel Keith, Rebecca Nelson, Thaisheemarie Fantauzzi Pérez, and the rest of the team for their meticulous work.
To my many other friends and colleagues from Minnesota, GW, NYU, ADPi, Random House, S&S, HMH, HarperCollins, and elsewhere, and to the authors that I’ve worked with over the years that inspired me to start writing: there are too many of you to name individually, but trust that I am appreciative of every one of you and owe you a coffee or a drink at an apt time in the future in gratitude for your support and enthusiasm for this book. And a huge thanks to the future of agency team for always holding it down and being the best book marketers in publishing.
Finally, to my family, particularly my parents, Thomas and Katherine, and Ryan and Lauren: thank you so much for your love and support. I love you. Mom, I don’t have a boyfriend, as of the time of writing, but I have a book!