It took a rather large village to get this novel written and published. I’ve been so lucky to have been surrounded by supportive people during this exciting and (insert adjective here: bumpy, obscured, potholed, booby-trapped?) path to publication.
Thank you so much to the earliest readers of this book: Helen Hoang, my BFF and daily sprint buddy, you are the Statler to my Waldorf, and I am so happy you’re in my life. Whitney Schneider, my longtime critique partner, you read the first draft and told me in the nicest way that I need to quit it with my “wildly blinking characters.” I heart you. Canadian Annette Christie, my hoodie twin, you are a huge talent and a fantastic friend. Ken, you read this twice (TWICE!) for me. You are a loyal friend who always gives me valuable “tough love” feedback.
Roselle Lim, thank you for willing the universe to show me a sign when I nearly gave up on writing. Judy Lin (my late-night sprint friend and fellow horror aficionado), Alexa Martin (best co-mentor ever) and Liz Lawson (my Roaring ’20s debut lifeline), thank you for responding to my messages and being there for all the flails. Danielle Paige, I can’t believe our paths crossed again after college and I am so immensely happy to have you back in my life. Sabina Khan, Gwynne Jackson, Jenny Howe, Sheila Athens, Nancy Johnson, Kathleen Barber, Chelsea Resnick, Kristin Rockaway, my WFWA friends, thank you for being there for me the last few years, I appreciate you so much.
To my MAPID writers group, your feedback and encouragement really made a difference. I’m eternally grateful. To my sub support group, you are all wonderfully talented; big hugs to each and every one of you. Julia Chang, you read my very first book-like thing and taught me how to show, not tell. You are amazing. Sandra Morris, thank you for helping me when I deleted my entire website. I still can’t believe I did that. My #Roaring20sdebut group, even Jeff Bishop, you were so welcoming when I felt like a latecomer to the party. Group bear hug! To the Pitch Wars Class of 2016, you are an immensely talented bunch, and I am so happy to be part of your community. Thank you to Brenda Drake for creating Pitch Wars and to all of the hardworking people who keep it running every year. Sarah Henning and Kellye Garrett, my Pitch Wars mentors, thank you for cheering me on during the highs and being there for me during the lows. You’ve imparted wise, realistic advice and kept me sane during the last few years.
To my fabulous agent, Brent, this book wouldn’t have been written without your encouragement. You’ve been so supportive since the day you requested my Pitch Wars manuscript. WHAT. A. JOURNEY (insert every single face emoji here). Thank you for believing in my stories.
Eliza Swift, my wonderful editor, thank you for championing this zombie-themed rom-com and writing so many “hahahaha”s in your track change notes. This book found the best home with the best people.
Sourcebooks Fire folks: Sarah, Cassie, Sandra, Ashlyn, Nicole, Louisa, Heather, Jacqueline, and the other sales, marketing, and publicity teams I’ll have the pleasure to meet soon, thank you so much for all of your time and dedication.
Gamsahamnida to Mom and Dad for promoting my book to the elders at their Korean church. Gene, Jee Hyun, Melissa, Dustin, Lin, thanks for being so supportive during my journey. Sister Sarah, you’re my bestest friend, and thank you for being there for me through everything.
A massive thank-you to Jee Jung Kang and Julie Kim, who helped me with my Korean language phrasing, specifically helping with Nate Kim getting yelled at by his parents so eloquently. To my Young Minds and Franklin moms, Microsoft gals, Anderson buddies, Columbia pals, HFA friends, ANZ buddies, NY and Seattle agency friends. Sherry, LeeAnn, Corinne, Naveena, and Naveena’s parents, thank you for believing in me.
Michael at Alfred Music, Carter at Hal Leonard, and Kendrick Lamar (omg), thank you for letting me use the “Money Trees” lyric in this book. Jonathan R. and Liz (again), who helped guide me through the music clearance process, a humongous thanks to you!
Thank you to Kris C., who explained to me in detail how to use a Taser, and then pulled one out of her truck to show me.
To the Coca-Cola Company, bless you for creating those cute little ninety-calorie cans that fueled all of my drafting and revising.
Hi Maxine, Sydney, Dani, Max, and Quinn! Your auntie published a book!
Trevor, thank you for being there for me every step of the way. I love you.
CJ, thanks for being an awesome kiddo and giving your mommy time to write. I’m blessed to have a child who loves Annie’s mac and cheese so much. Your suggestion to change my entire manuscript to Lobster 2 font will be shared with my editor.
And finally, to my readers, thank you so much for picking up this book. You’ve made my dream come true, and for that I am eternally grateful.