From the moment I first saw the tents with their brightly striped awnings reflecting the summer sun, I was utterly enchanted by Ocean Grove. Then, as I learned the unique history of the Jersey Shore town, I was mesmerized. This was a one-of-a-kind location and I wanted to write a story that took place here. I could imagine my characters living…and dying…in this fanciful and fascinating square-mile village brimming with Victorian charm.
But knowing the setting isn’t the same as knowing the story. It wasn’t until Jen Enderlin, my editor, suggested the theme of “girls who cry wolf” that things began to come together. Jen is the most committed, upbeat, can-do editor and she is such a pleasure to work with. My thanks to Jen and all those at St. Martin’s Press who work so hard: Sally Richardson, Matthew Shear, Ed Gabrielli, John Karle, John Murphy, Kim Cardascia, Jerry Todd, who designed the cover, and Tom Hallman, who illustrated it. And once again I was lucky enough to have the benefit of Susan M. S. Brown’s fine copyediting.
Good fortune also came my way in the form of my treasured friend Elisabeth Demarest. When I mentioned to Elisabeth that I was writing a story that takes place in Ocean Grove, she told me she had relatives who summered in one of the tents and immediately offered to bring me down to see them. On a cloudless August morning, Helen and Mil Thatcher opened their canvas home to me and spent their day showing me around and sharing their knowledge gleaned over decades of summers spent in the little town on the Atlantic Ocean. Elisabeth, Helen, and Mil made it possible for me to write this book and they have my sincere gratitude.
When it came time to describe the teenagers and young women in this story, I looked to my own Elizabeth, my daughter, to give me pointers…and she did, willingly and inventively.
Katharine Hayden put her thinking cap on and came up with a legal scenario that would land a character in federal prison. Though I know she is impossibly busy, Katharine made time for me, just as she always has.
Again, CBS News friend Rob Shafer shared his technical expertise. You are so generous, Rob.
There would be no maryjaneclark.com without Colleen Kenny. Colleen continues to offer her creativity and devotion, not only to the Web site but to me as well, and I am grateful to her.
Laura Dail, my indefatigable literary agent, tends my writing career with loving care. She cheers me on, gives me feedback and dreams and hopes, and plots with me. Thank you, L.D., for everything.
And speaking of plots, the contribution of independent editor Father Paul Holmes cannot be overestimated. I never cease to wonder at the blessing he is to me. He offered ideas and moral support and enthusiasm every step of the way, just as he has all along. It makes me feel good to know that Dancing in the Dark is his favorite so far.
So now it’s finished. To my patient family and dearest friends, thank you for bearing with me. Now I can crawl out of the dark, into the light, and dance.