ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

A lot of fine folks helped out and showed me such unbelievable kindness that a mere thanks doesn’t seem to be enough. But this is the least I can do. Your willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty for this goofy writer is appreciated more than you will ever know. So many, many thanks to:

My family—Saw and Mad, Mom and Dad and Clay.

The wonderful writers and teachers and mentors and students and friends in the Columbia College Chicago Fiction Department—including my teachers Don De Grazia, Anne Hemenway, Gary Johnson, Eric May, Devon Polderman, and especially John Schultz, who gave invaluable advice and encouragement.

The fantastic team at Medallion Press, especially Adam Mock, Paul Ohlson, Lorie Popp, Helen Rosburg, Emily Steele, and Jim Tampa.

Some of the people I’m honored to call my friends—Gus and Jen Alagna, Christian Behr, Jay Bonansinga, Mort Castle, David Chirchirillo, Craig Christie, Jen and House Domonkos, Tom Egizio—Webmaster extraordinaire, Mark Ferguson of Hard Boiled Records, Trent Haaga, Heather Jack, Dave Janczak, Brian Kustek, Gregory Lam-berson, Jack Mazzenga, and Lou and Sandy Phillips, and so many others.

The musicians who helped fuel the writing of this novel—AC/DC, Johnny Cash, The Cramps, Deadbolt, Motorhead, Murder by Death, The Ramones, the Reverend Horton Heat, Southern Culture on the Skids, and The Ventures.

And finally, my wife, Deb, who gave me unwavering support and patience. I love you, little one.