Writing the acknowledgments for a debut novel is almost as daunting as writing the book itself. The list of people who’ve influenced me is so massive I would have to write another novel to cover them all. If you’ve been a part of my writing journey in any way, big or small, know that I am eternally grateful.
Thank you to my incredible editor, Emily Settle, for your insights. It sometimes still feels surreal that you chose to work on this book with me. I’m also thankful to the entire Feiwel & Friends team, all of whom are listed in the “credits” on the last page. Whether I interacted with you directly or not, your tireless efforts are appreciated.
Of course, my book would never have reached Feiwel & Friends at all if it weren’t for my agent, Deborah Warren at East West Literary. Thank you for championing this story and believing in me.
Since I am the type of reader who doesn’t even pretend not to judge a book by its cover, I am also incredibly thankful to illustrator Maxine Vee, who brought my world and characters to life. And to designer Meg Sayre, whose interior design elements have made my words shine brighter.
A huge thank-you to Megan E. Freeman, dear friend and critique partner. I can honestly say that without your encouragement and words of wisdom, this book would not exist.
I am also thankful to the many people who read this book and gave me feedback: Lucia Brown, my very first middle grade reader; critique partners Kari Gonzalez and Ariadne Lukas; author and fellow verse-novel lover, Danielle Hammelef; and my mom, GayAnna Weddle, and daughter, Danielle Hewitt. Your invaluable insights made this book so much stronger than I could have imagined. (And thank you to Danielle for creating the maps for me as well!)
The writing community is vast, but writing and critique groups make it feel just a bit smaller and less lonely. I am incredibly thankful to the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (especially to Kim Oclon and the rest of my Far Northern Suburbs network) and to my East West Literary critique group members for the help and encouragement you’ve given me through the publication process.
And thank you to the many fellow readers and bloggers who’ve followed my blog, Feed Your Fiction Addiction, for the past decade. I honestly cannot put into words how much your support has meant. You've been with me throughout my writing career, but also through the ups and downs of life. I’m especially thankful to Shannon Mizikoski, Sam Kozbial, AJ Sterkel, Lisa Mandina, Natalie Aguirre, and Jessica Stewart, who’ve continued visiting even when my blogging time has diminished to almost nothing. But I could name a hundred people here and still feel like I haven’t covered everyone (this is one of those places where the fear of someone feeling left out is real!).
All my love goes to my family: Scott, Jade, Danielle, Noah, and Mom. Thanks for giving me the time and space to live out this dream, even when it made things harder for you. (Also to my fluffs, Digit, Bella, and Snickers, though you were no help at all when it came to writing this book. You were often entertaining, so there was that.)
And to God, the ultimate Composer, who never meant for me to go on this journey alone and put each and every one of you into my life for a reason.
And finally, to you, my readers. I hope this book has brought you joy.