IRONSPARK IS A novel that was ten years in the making, but twenty years of learning, adapting, and working toward this one goal. As such, there are far too many people who have helped me on this journey to thank each and every individual. Some people know the impact they had on me. Others may never realize. But my gratitude to them remains all the same.
To the family that wouldn’t let me quit when life might have distracted me, whether they understood my passion or not.
To the countless friends who listened and inspired, and who read draft after draft.
To the SCBWI Critters, who never accepted anything less than my best and, when it just wasn’t working, reminded me to Just Change Everything.
To the authors who mentored me over the years at conventions and cafes and in their homes.
To the teachers along the way who inspired me by exclaiming and encouraging and celebrating. Who treated me as a young professional. Who reminded me that, counterintuitively, my acting classes could help me hone my writing.
To my agent, Ann, who held my hand through the excitement and terror of a debut.
And to Holly West and everyone at Macmillan for selecting Ironspark, and patiently working with me through this whole crazy process of preparing this novel.
Words cannot express my relief and gratitude at the support from so many incredible people.
Thank you.
Thank you, thank you.