So this is about to be a long list. Bear with me; perhaps by my fourth book I will be down to: “Strong power, thank you.” But not today.
To start—the two people who pushed Ellie along the publication track—my agent, Alex Rice, and editor, Eileen Rothschild, who both read this book and saw something special in Ellie’s story. You both had impeccable notes and really shaped me and Ellie into the writer and book we are today.
THE ENTIRE TEAM at Wednesday, with super shout-outs to Lexi, Cassie, Meghan, and Lisa!
Sarah Harden, who listened to me have a breakdown during our 1:1 and told me point blank this could happen. At every step of this journey—you have been there so proud and excited, and reminded me that this is important. To the whole Hello Sunshine team—Jane, Melissa, Olga, Cynthia, Hillary, Hilary, Joss, Joie, Kristin, Marissa, and anyone who I forget—your enthusiasm for storytelling and for my journey have kept me going. Claire Curly, who was the second person to tell me this should be a book!
Kara McDowell and Kimberly Gabriel are two of the best Pitch Wars mentors a girl could ask for. You helped me become a better writer, a better reviser—and cheered me along every step of the way.
Emily Wibberley—who held a fantasy writer’s hand and told her she could write a contemporary book. And that that book had to be this book. (She is the first person who told me this should be a book.) You are Ellie’s godmother. Your friendship, kindness, and knowledge mean the world to me. Also a big thank-you to Austin Siegemund-Broka, who definitely called the cover first, and who always has the best candle and coffee advice.
DJ, Anna, and Eve—who each read the book and told me it was brilliant. You have talked me off ledges, discussed books with me, shared endless meals and cups of coffee.
Kristin, Mallory, Alexa, and Alex. There are zero words—and yet I will find some. You are my people. You call me on my bullshit. You welcome me—all of me and my weird emotions (you are probably reading and already reaching for the phone to tell me they’re not weird). You make me a better friend, writer, ARMY, person. There is no group of people I would rather collectively MISERY with than you.
Rebekah, for inviting me over to your house and feeding me when I felt like Ellie would go nowhere. Your friendship and view of writing never cease to amaze me. Liz, while we are still new friends, I love the worlds you create and the time we spend together.
My LA writing peeps—Alexa Donne, Victoria Van Vleet—for constant coffee dates, dinners out, or just casual hangs. Melissa Seymour and Alyssa Colman, for your unwavering support, writing coffee dates, and friendship. Jessica Parra, I am so glad we connected over Disney and books—our days at the parks make the hard days easier.
Megan—whose weekly coffee dates got me through the pandemic and who celebrated every milestone with me. Our careers hit their strides at the same time, and I can’t wait to watch your writing continue to soar!
Kalie and Amanda—my former bookseller friends. Your outside perspective on publishing is greatest. You are always willing to listen to me freak out, discuss the finer points of publishing, or just talk books.
Emily … the Caitlin to my Ellie.
My parents—this book is for you. Ellie wouldn’t exist without you letting me spend eighteen months at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Not to mention—Mom, you came up with that reveal. (Yeah, divorce for insurance purposes … is a thing. The American medical system really is heartless.) Ben—who won NaNo now? JK, JK, there is no winning or losing, but our race to 50,000 many Novembers ago has kept me a writer even when I thought I’d set it aside.
And finally, I wrote this book for teenage me, who often felt alone and out of place. To every reader who’s reached out to tell me they felt seen, understood, or just represented—thank you, it means the world to me. As much as Ellie had to find her own squad, I feel like I have found a space I’ve been missing.