My biggest fear in writing my acknowledgments was trying to pinpoint my circle of trust and wondering if it was okay to put their names out there into the cosmos. I write in a very private bubble and will attest that nothing is scarier than having someone else read your work. However, if I did not take the leap, I wouldn’t be able to thank the people nearest and dearest to me who supported me through this wild ride.
First, I would like to thank my editors, Samiha Hoque and Atifa Hoque, for taking a chance on this strange tale about a lost princess in the sky. Without Sorra Books, this dream would not have seen the light of day. I will admit that I often screamed internally about edits and revisions, but I am so proud of how their keen eyes transformed this story into the one you read today. I am humbled by the process and look forward to continuing this journey with both of you. I am forever in your debt for helping me bring Skylight into the world.
Second, I would like to thank those in my inner writing circle who may or may not know I think of them often, even if I never say a word. To my early beta readers, Pim Thanassakorn and Nessa Assara, you gave me the Thai perspective to ensure this story was needed. To my critique partners, Kate DeMaio and Rennae Kletzel, you helped me find my MG voice and sharpen my narratives for this audience. To my Discord writing groups - WriteHive, AAPI, and DVPit, my participation in these communities has given me so many invaluable connections and opportunities that I would be remiss not to address them. Thank you all so much for sharing your knowledge and passions with me. I’ve enjoyed every moment of it!
Finally, I sincerely thank my family, who have encouraged and supported me through this process! This story began as a silly summer project with my daughter in 2017, and many years later, it blossomed into Skylight. I owe everything to my amazing kids, Preeyanne and KrisAnthony, for being willing to listen to their mom’s crazy ramblings. Many thanks to my wonderful husband, Tony, who has always pushed me out of my shell and be willing to risk it all for something I believe in. To my in-house translators and Thai spell-checkers, I thank my mom and big sis for indulging in my wild whims. To my dad, Samran, you are my oracle in the sky who taught me to dream big. I miss you every day, and I hope these words reach you whenever I read them aloud.
Writing is a test of endurance, dedication, and willpower. Moreover, publishing is a messy adventure that I would have never imagined I would get to be a part of. Yet, it’s a journey I adopted willingly to share this story with the world. Khob khun ka took khon. I thank you all!