ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

After so many years of publishing other people’s books, I finally got a taste of my own medicine. Like the proverbial case of doctors who make poor patients, I can’t imagine how many eye rolls I received from my talented collaborators on this project. Speaking of doctors, I want to thank Scott Kenemore, whose book doctoring kept me honest. My editor extraordinaire, Caroline Russomanno, lived up to the reputation other authors have written about through the years. Kirsten Dalley deserves a tremendous round of applause for her production expertise. For his beautiful cover, I am grateful to Brian Peterson. Thanks to my life long friend, Kevin Goldman, who knows more about media than anyone on this planet. Helping get the book out in the world and noticed, I thank Skyhorse Publicity Director, Kathleen Schmidt. Of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t express my gratitude to the entire Skyhorse staff (the little engine that could). For his tremendous encouragement and support, I want to thank my publisher, Tony Lyons.

I’m extremely appreciative to Daniel Spielsinger and Allie Weber for modeling for the photos. I can’t imagine what a disaster this book would have been if we had gone with the original plan of me posing. A special shout-out to Eric Spielsinger, whose computer knowledge prevented me from losing the manuscript somewhere in the ether. To my sons, Zachary and Julian Gompertz, I thank them for inspiring me always. To my photographer and better half, Penny Lowy, no words can express my love and adoration.