WHEN I FIRST STARTED the journey that evolved eventually into Painted Dresses, I was also celebrating having been accepted into one of the finest creative writing programs in the South, the Queens University of Charlotte Writing M.F.A., led by Fred Leebron and Michael Kobre. I owe a debt of gratitude to the earliest readers, the Queens podmates and peers to whom I am grateful for their readings, late night coffee gatherings, and general writer’s angst talks that helped me rethink my story and make it the best possible story for my readers. Thanks to Sherry T, Dolores A., Hannah H., Rachel M., Peggy C., Charlie R., James M., Henry “Brabham” S., Blaise W, Brook C, Dan B., Hershella S., Sam G., Moyette G., and Claudine G. Also to the faculty authors, Elissa Schappell whose generous eye helped me guide this novel, and to Jane Alison, Dan Jones, Helen Elaine Lee, Naeem Murr, and Pinckney Benedict for wise counsel.
And to those who helped along the way with research assistance, Gayle Jones at the Brunswick County Library, Robin Vore and Jeff Cloud with airplane lingo, and Linda Thornton with facts about the east coast jails. A special thanks to a special young artist, Jarrett Ernest, for telling me about your painted dresses.
And to the editorial team who tenaciously read and re-read and, along with many diet colas, kept me going and believing we could shake the truth out of covered over lives: Shannon Hill, Lauren Winner, and Pam Shoup.