First, I would like to thank my wife, Lauren, and my daughter, Zoë, for supporting my writing. It’s not an easy thing to be the family of a writer, but they carry the burden well.
Next, I would like to thank my colleagues and students at Hampton University. I continue to grow as both a writer and a professor because I am blessed to be a part of such a supportive community.
I’d like to thank my extended family and my friends who continue to push me to tell more stories and preserve storytelling as an art form for the next generation.
Special thanks to Tayari Jones for being a good friend and mentor, Sabin Prentis for always having my back, Shonda Buchanan for encouraging me to continue the path I have charted, Elizabeth “Meatmumma” Stokes for her friendship and love, Richard Wall for just being an all around great friend and fellow writer, and Joi & Dawayne Whittington for all of their support throughout the years.
Thank you to my parents. They put books into my hands at an early age and continue to be my biggest fans.
Thank you to my brother, Torrey. You continue to amaze and inspire me. Keep blazing new trails. And to my new sister-in-law, Sarah: you are a wonderful addition to our family, and we love you.
Because I write stories set in both large cities and small towns, I would like to thank my friends ranging from New York City down to West Point, Mississippi, for teaching me different ways of viewing the world.
Finally, I would like to thank those of you who have supported my writing throughout the years. Your continued support of my writing is what helps me to create new stories.
Peace.
Ran