In the life of a convoy member, there is seriousness and sadness, discovery and struggle. But there is also hope and joy. This is one of my joyful moments—getting to thank the multitudes who had a hand in getting this book into your hands. And there are multitudes, which means I will inevitably leave someone out, and I apologize.
Joys can be expressed through quiet ruminations, via treatises, or in lists and charts, tables and graphs. But I think even I.C.C. believes that playfulness is one of the most effective methods by which to express joy.
With that said, you need to know that what follows is rather silly. While I am a serious writer who wrote a serious book, I have promised never to take myself too seriously. And at this moment, I cannot properly express my exuberance with a few well-formatted paragraphs of thank yous. If you would like to preserve a previously formed image of me as a no-nonsense, purely pensive individual, I’ll forgive you if you look away.
Now, I give you “You Helped Support this Writer,” parody lyrics set (more or less) to the tune of “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” which just so happens to be Dr. Leonard McCloud’s favorite song. Reggie got really tired of it during his graduate years, but the song still made it into the convoy’s entertainment archives. Hum along and enjoy:
Family first on the way: Mom and Dad, Austin Ray,
Husband Alex, he’s my guy, best crit partner on the fly
Sara, Jason, in-laws too, Olivia, Wendy-n-crew
Paternal side, maternal side, all-y’all in-tow
You created this writer
You’ve encouraged her
Since the words first lured her
You created this writer
I didn’t hide it
and you didn’t fight it
Next up, book team. Harper Voyager, what a dream.
DongWon Song, David P., Tracy Wilson, Phon B.
Steven Messing’s cover game, Priyanka, Serena Wang
Taryn O., Anna Will, page to page, all a thrill!
Shawn N., Angela C., work promos with Pam Jaffee
Owen C., Mumatz M., art department makes it glam
Liate Stehilk, books with flare, publisher extraordinaire
And everyone I couldn’t name, appreciate you all the same!
You helped produce this novel
The writer’d like to thank you
for a wonderful debut
You helped produce this novel
I had to write it
But you had to tighten it
Now on to writer friends, Codex, contests—to the end!
Grayson, Laurie, Michael U., Amanda Forrest in there too.
Rebecca R. M.K.H., Lisa Shapter, Keffy K.
Anaea, Maya, Stephen G., Tomas M., John Murphy
Bill Ledbetter, Michelle M., and all the judges for JBM
Tina Gower, Annie B., Thomas K. with Rachel C.
Andrea Stewart, Anthea Sharp, helped brainstorm with lots-o-heart.
Martin Shoemaker, Gwendolyn Clare, just for both being there.
Hold on, I’m not done. Still so many writers, son.
Mike Resnick (writer dad), W-o-t-F in the bag
Kevin A., Tim Powers, David Farland, many hours.
K.D. Wentworth, rest in peace, may sci-fi never die!
You helped support this writer
She’d like to thank you
for each new breakthrough
You helped support this writer
I had to write it
But you helped to brighten it
One more verse, almost through (then you can . . . buy book two!)
Tolkien’s hobbits, Tanith Lee, Dan Simmons, L’Engle’s key
Brice McPherson, Kraig Olejniczak, why don’t your names rhyme?
Ferrett Steinmetz—doesn’t know me—but blame him for this song.
Everyone inspired this writer
She’d like to thank you
For making each great day new
Everyone inspired this writer
You didn’t stop her
So she wrote a whopper!
Everyone inspired this writer
She’d like to thank you
For making each great day new
Everyone inspired this writer
You didn’t stop her
So she wrote a whopper!
*Continues to hum as she strolls off into the distance.*
Okay. I’m done. No really, you can take your mental fingers out of your mental ears now. In all seriousness, I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart. You all did amazing work, gave constant support, and made my journey to this point a wonderful one. Here’s lifting a glass to many more books—with many more joyful acknowledgements pages—to come!