It truly does take a village to create a book, and there are many who helped guide me when the idea to write the story of Zee James first glimmered more than seven years ago.
I am grateful to writer friends who encouraged me—notably my esteemed colleagues in Coffee and Critique. Armed with red pens and clear observations, they always tell it like it is.
Thank you to Cassie Cox-Robertson at Joy Editing, who provided initial editing and feedback on the manuscript. I appreciate your input and sound advice.
I extend my deepest gratitude to friends and cherished loved ones who understood that last minute cancellations go with the territory when a deadline looms.
To the staff of Amphorae Publishing Group and Blank Slate Press, thank you for taking a chance on a debut author and birthing this book despite my countless questions, anxious moments, and tendency to be more than a little verbose in emails. A special thanks to Kristina Blank Makansi, who helped shape this story into a much stronger one, and Donna Essner, who supported the notion of giving Zee the chance to be heard.
For my family, what can I say? I’m more grateful for your love and support than you’ll ever know.