It’s difficult to believe it’s been over eight years since Laura and Kindle walked into my life. When the idea started forming, I could hardly imagine it was my first step on the path to publication. This was the story that wouldn’t go away, that I kept putting aside and coming back to, the story I choose to finish first (I had a tendency to be distracted by new ideas), the one manuscript that I wanted to see published more than any other.
Now here we are, nearly a decade later, and my germ of an idea has evolved into a three-hundred-thousand-word trilogy, with the assistance of almost too many friends, family members, writers, and editors to name. But I’ll give it a go.
I absolutely would not be writing these acknowledgments today if it weren’t for my cousin and mentor, Kenneth Mark Hoover. He was the first person to tell me I had talent and potential. He held my hand and led me through all the stages of my development as a writer. He listened to all of my harebrained story concepts, encouraged me, critiqued me, and, most importantly, believed in me when I was ready to give up. He is my first reader and his insight always, always, makes my stories better.
Writing a good book is only the first step in the process. Having an advocate for your work is paramount and I was lucky enough to sign with my agent, Alice Speilburg, who has never wavered in her belief in my work. I always thought I was pretty even-keeled until I met Alice and saw calm, unflappable professionalism in practice. The day I met Alice changed my life, for the better in every way.
After five years of writing, I assumed I knew my characters inside and out. That is, until Kendel Lynn read a draft and pointed out a missed opportunity so glaringly obvious, I was a little ashamed. Her suggestion elevated a critical scene from good to great, and I believe that small but consequential change is what sold the book. Becoming friends with Kendel has been the best unexpected perk of my publishing journey so far.
More than anyone, I have Susan Barnes to thank for Sawbones being the book that it is, and for the tone of the series as a whole. When she read Sawbones she didn’t balk at the grit and the gore. She loved it. She understood from the beginning what I was trying to do, how I wanted to peel back the mythology and show the brutality beneath, and she never flinched. She encouraged it, and her editorial insight helped me deepen my writing, my characters, and the story.
Change is inevitable, and editors move on. I thank God every day Lindsey Hall inherited Laura and Kindle’s story. I have so many feels I don’t know where to start. Her brilliant editorial eye is almost overshadowed by her enthusiasm, compassion, and ability to know just the right thing to say to save me from spiraling down a well of stress. Or at least spiraling too far down. She’s not Wonder Woman, but she’s close. You’re going to be a tough act to follow, Lindsey, and I know you have a long and glorious future ahead of you.
There are dozens of people working at Redhook who have had a hand in getting this trilogy to readers. I want to thank each and every one of you for all your hard work and dedication. Special thanks goes to my publicist, Ellen Wright; copy editor, Amy Schneider; production editors, Gleni Bartels and Andromeda Macri; and graphic artists, Crystal Ben and Wendy Chen.
Where to start with my DFW Writers’ Workshop peeps? I’ve made so many wonderful friends and have grown not only as a writer but also as a critique partner and, I hope, as a mentor to other writers starting out. Wednesday nights are my favorite part of the week.
There are highs and lows in every journey, and the publishing journey is no different. Special thanks to Brooke Fossey, Jenny Martin, and Jennifer Mason-Black for being reliable sounding boards and shoulders to cry on, and always offering the perfect piece of advice.
Thanks to Larry Brown at the Wyoming State Archives for answering my questions about Cheyenne in the 1870s.
Finally, thanks to my friends and family for your never-ending love and support.