With many thanks to my publishers who are also my friends, Sheila Gilbert and Betsy Wollheim of DAW Books, and the entire hard-working staff. Also to the staff of Penguin Random House, who work equally hard.
With appreciation to the Orange County Fictionaires, a workshop group of writers and poets, for their insight and support and the privilege of participating.
And special gratitude to my “first daughters” and “first readers” Dr. Maureen J. Salsitz and Jessica Greening Ervin, MBA, who have always been my cheerleaders as well as critiquers, and who have made most of my work possible.