Gosh.
The time has come for me to write my acknowledgments, and after writing a whole novel, I feel like I should be prepared. Or at the very least, better at it. If I were to thank everyone who helped me with this novel, and subsequent books in the series, I would run out of pages, so I want to thank a specific few instead.
First, I want to thank my husband, whom I affectionately call Mr. M on social media—at first to give him privacy, and now to keep the air of mystery about him. Without you, I never would have found the courage to finish my novel and join a critique group. And I never would have met the wonderful Brandi Spencer and Renee Frey, and started Authors 4 Authors Publishing. Really without him, none of this would have ever happened—had he not dragged me off to live in South Korea, I never would have started writing this book in the first place. For that, I am ever grateful. I love you as far as the East is from the West, Mr. M.
To my best friend Paige: your face, it’s face pale face. Thank you for letting me read you my novel in person and on the phone to try to catch all of the mistakes, especially our favorite one.
To my parents, thank you for always encouraging me every step of the way—and sorry for waiting for years to tell you I was even writing a book in the first place.
And finally, to Brandi and Renee: thank you for going on this adventure with me and throwing money into a pot with someone you’ve never met in person to start a publishing company. I didn’t even know being a publisher was a dream of mine until you both helped make it a reality. I wouldn’t want to be in this business with anyone but my found sisters. I love you both.