ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Outrun the Wind was not the first story I wrote, but I’m so glad it’s the first one to be published. My writing journey—with this story, especially—has taken me through quite the emotional spectrum. There were days of stress and despair, when I was convinced that the story I wrote in my freshman year of college would never see the light of day. But much to my elation and gratitude, I got to share this story. Through this whole process, I’ve experienced happiness and passion in depths I hadn’t known possible, and I owe so much to so many.

Of course, my family (or as we call it, the Tammily) deserves the utmost recognition. My mother’s love for the written word birthed my own. Thank you for letting me finish “just one more chapter” after lights-out, and for raising me as a reader. My father drove hundreds of miles to get me to conferences and ceremonies, and spent hours fixing my laptop when I was on deadline. You were the first to tell me, “You can do it.” And as always, thanks to my sister and best friend, Erin, for your constant support and humor.

My deepest gratitude goes to my fantastic editor, Kelsy Thompson, for choosing and championing this story. My amazing critique partners—Amanda Harlowe, Lilia Shen, and Edna Lopez-Rodriguez—are all ridiculously talented and helped shape this story from the ground up. Without each of you, simply none of this would have been possible.

I owe so much to my inimitable teachers. Gordon Johnston, your relentless passion for this craft reminds me to never “sleepwalk” through my life. Shayna Hron and Mandy Dickson, your inspiring drive introduced me to some incredible stories. Kevin Patterson, your steadfast compassion and tireless work gave me so many opportunities. Thank you to Elliot Hershey, Charlie Thomas, Mark Hardin, and so many more who showed me the world.

This book owes its existence to Brenda Drake and the team behind #PitMad. Your creativity and generosity gave me the outlet to share my story that led to this incredible opportunity. Being a debut author is equal parts exciting and terrifying, and I want to give a shoutout to the Electric 18s! I think this has been YA fiction’s best year yet, and I’m so fortunate to have debuted alongside such a supportive and talented group.

Now, to fulfill a promise I made years ago—thank you to all those who ever followed my blog on Tumblr, annabethisterrified. You’ve supported me for over six years, from my middle school days obsessing over Percy Jackson, to now as my own mythological story enters the world. The friendships and community I have found, and continue to find, through you all have changed me for the better.

Thank you to those who had to suffer through dealing with a stressed-out author and stayed my friends anyway: Kat Heesh, Emily Davis, Mahima Sultan, Kaitlyn Montcrieff, Heba Nassereddeen, Piper Garick, Morgan Simonds, Blaine Brown, Kameela Noah, and Mason Mishael. I love you all so much.

In reimagining Atalanta’s story, I added, omitted, and changed many aspects—but at its core, it has always been the tale of a wild girl seeking to carve her own fate in a world designed to restrain her. It is one that’s been passed down for thousands of years, and I’d be amiss not to acknowledge Ovid, Hesiod, and all those who told their own versions of Atalanta’s story. It’s incredible how one figure can be both constant and varied in all their depictions. I’m honored to follow your footsteps, and to get the chance to share my take on one of mythology’s most fascinating women.

Atalanta—your story has been told many different ways, and it always captivates me. It has been one of my life’s greatest joys to tell your story how I saw it.