Creating a book is like getting together with a coven and casting a spell. It takes the energy of everyone to make the magic. The magic of this book wouldn’t have been possible without all of the people who helped bring it into being.
First, I’d like to thank my Llewellyn family, especially Elysia Gallo, who always brought her positivity and happy, easy-going nature to the project. Thank you for giving me the wise guidance and gold stars all along the way that kept me going to the finish line, something I could never have done without you (and a deadline). Your saying to me, “This is good!” feels like winning the Pulitzer Prize!
Next, I’d like to thank my amazing team at the Parlour of Wonders: The central pillars, Marléne (and Cliché), Bridget, and Iris, you all held it together while I was locked away like a hermit in my room with my laptop, and to the extended team, Judy, Chelsea, and Romie, who kept the energy going with their love and support.
To my Magical Mastermind Group: Jim, Melinda, Ruth, Lacreya, and Janine. You got to hear me whine twice a month, “I can’t get anything done! I’m writing a book!” You laughed with me, listened to me kvetch, and were my supportive magical siblings in this exciting journey. I can’t wait to see all y’all’s books!
Thank you to my mentor and inspiration, Judika Illes. Way back when, you asked me out of the blue, “Are you writing a book?” and that got the whole ball rolling. You and your legacy of amazing books on magic have been and always will be a huge inspiration to me! I wanna be you when I grow up! (I better get off my butt and write more!)
I also want to thank the amazing group of magic practitioners, and the magical-curious, that I am lucky enough to call my Spell Squad. You, and your thirst for knowing more about magic, are the real reason this book exists. Your questions during our online clubhouse meetings made me know that there needed to be a book out there that didn’t just give recipes for spells, but explained why we choose a red candle and light it during a waxing moon to bring love into our lives. I love each and every one of you so much! I can’t overstate how much I appreciate your curiosity and the brilliant questions you bring to the table every time we gather (And, if you are reading this and aren’t in the Spell Squad, what are you waiting for? You can get into the club just by going to spellsquad.com).
Finally, all my extra-magical sparkly love goes to my partner, Manfred and my kids, Morgan and Miles. Thanks for letting me off the hook, giving me the space to write in every train and airport as we traveled, helping with the chores, letting me blast the cheesy sixties lounge music while I wrote, catching all those missing Oxford commas, and just being amazing humans I am so fortunate to have in my life.
And one last thank you goes out to Glinda the Good Witch Kitty, who came down in her pink bubble into my life while this book was being written. I am so lucky to have such an adorable and magical fur baby in you.