IF I’M HONEST WITH YOU ABOUT THIS TRILOGY, I’D tell you that writing book one was like this scary-wild celebration of friends, and fellowship, and love . . . whereas book two has been more a scraping of the soul. Ultimately a good thing, yes, but also rather terrifying. Ha! In fact, I may have spent much of this story feeling like I was wandering in the dark, suspecting the creation of book one was a fluke because good grief what in hulls was I thinking trying to write another?
Yet in that dark there were people slipping their hands out to hold mine, reminding me that this is a journey and some of the best parts come from the hardest parts (so quit whining and get back to work, and also, have some Doctor Who episodes). So here’s to you, my dear fellowship of hand-holders. For being the people I want to be like when I grow up.
Especially my husband, Peter, who more than anyone has walked beside me, forging his own awesome path amidst steadying mine. You are the very best person I know and I rabidly love you.
Same with my three muses, Rilian, Avalon, and Korbin, who remind me daily that the key to believing is to pause, breathe, and look for the magic. (Also, shopping.)
My parents and sister, to whom this story is dedicated—for the hours of your time and the honor of your love. And to my siblings, their spouses, and the Weber clan. For believing, and for showing up to every Storm Siren bookish event ever just in case no one else did.
Lori Barrow, Jeanette Morris, Danielle Smith—WHERE would I be without you ladies? The Barrows, Morrells, Sara Steffey, and so many other precious friends—for the laughter and sanity and feasting. To Robert Perez, without whom so much would fall apart. And to my Father’s House family, my incredible RISE teens and tweens, and my team. As always, you guys have my heart. Thank you for being my home.
To my Thomas Nelson publishing family, who spoil me beyond coherent reason. Thank you for being so much of the heartbeat that moves my world. Daisy Hutton (hugs you), Amanda Bostic (hands you tea), Katie Bond (raves about your style), Keri Potts (laughs wickedly), Jodi Hughes (fangirls), Kristen Ingebretson (those book covers!), Ansley Boatman (mind reader), Becky Philpott (superstar!), Karli Jackson (that smile!), Elizabeth Hudson (fooood), and my editor Becky Monds (aka The PRECIOUS), and everyone else. Y’all are the best pub team + friends a girl could have, and I could not adore you more.
Allen Arnold, whose chats always bring life to my spirit at the right times and remind me to look up for manna. Thank you for this journey, dear friend.
Jay Asher, for your brilliant humor, friendship, advice, and amazing support. And for being normal.
Julee Schwarzburg, for editing me into coherency. Lee Hough—I know you’re grinning! Sarah Kathleen and Garth Janzten, for creating awesome with your souls. And to so many author friends who’ve extended time and kindness—I still can’t fathom why you do it, but YOU ARE THE NICEST: Marissa Meyer, Nancy Rue, Chuck Sambuchino, CJ Redwine, Josie Angelini, Shannon Messenger, Lindsay Cummings, Tonya Kuper, Heather Marie, Ronie Kendig, Colleen Coble, Katherine Reay, Kristy Cambron, Sara Ella, and Mary Pearson.
To my local Barnes & Noble family who work so hard to make your authors and readers feel so very loved. I treasure you all.
A fanatical fangirl mention to my early reviewers Lauren @Love Is Not a Triangle, Anya @On Starships & Dragonwings, the FFBC, Laura @Crafty Booksheeps, Nick @Nick’s Book Blog, Mandy @ Forever YA, Maci & Zoe (ALA!), Jill @Radiant Lit, The Book Bratz, Rissi @Dreaming under the Same Moon, Jen @Jenuine Cupcakes, Alyssa Faith, Sarah @Smitten over Books, Rel @Relz Reviews, Ashley @Wandering the Pages, and sooo many others. Just THANK YOU.
And to all of you, sweet readers!!! You rocked my world by picking up Storm Siren and talking about it, recommending it, and writing to me regarding it. Thank you for reading this silly girl’s writing. You burst my heart at the seams. *squishes*
Jesus. Because you are all this heart exists for.