I had good company along the way. I have many friends and family to thank.
Sarah Wolgamott-Woods, my big sister, for always being there for me. Gerry Haskiell, my brother-in-law, for telling me it got better. James Wolgamott, my uncle, for teaching me true strength. John Lang, my uncle, for always loving a good book. Robert and Marjorie Wolgamott, and Herbert and Helen Woods, my grandparents, for sharing childhood tales, real and tall. Andrew Atkinson, for encouraging my earliest writing, telling me to never quit. Brandon Greiner, for always having my back. Johannah McConnell, for carrying the fire. Michael Goroff, for knowing what makes a story kick. Dr. George Teschner, for understanding the aesthetics of dread. My Southern crew, Matt and Allison Ware, and Alex and Sharon Post, for all the laughter, kindness, and hospitality.
My parents, Barbara and Andrew Woods, for all their love and support. Mom, you shared the magic. Dad, you taught the skills.
I am grateful for my hometown, my old friends and teachers. Barnesville is real, though I have taken liberties with its fictitious character. The Ohio Valley is a beautiful, unique place, and it shaped my early education and experiences.
A very special thanks to my incredible agent, Nat Sobel, for believing in my writing, and Judith Weber, Sara Henry, and Siobhan McBride, for all the invaluable guidance. I am so fortunate to have you in my corner.
Francis Geffard and Eugenia Dubini, for bringing my writing to Europe. I am honored.
My awesome editor, Katie McGuire, and the wonderful crew at Pegasus Books—Sabrina Plomitallo-González, Claiborne Hancock, Jessica Case, and Victoria Wenzel—for making my dream a reality. Thank you.
And Erin Swanson, my best friend, for making Virginia feel like home.