THERE would be no me without the work, encouragement, guidance, support, and love of my mom and dad, Lillian and George Lewis. Thanks so much for nurturing me along this journey. I also must thank my sister, Dr. Tracey Lewis Elligan, for her support; her hard work is an inspiration to us all.
My dear husband and children have put up with me for years as I worked on this book and other ventures. Their continued support and belief in me and my work has propelled me to be the best that I can be. Spike, Satchel, and Jackson, thank you for understanding when Mommy “had” to write and for always cheering me on. Your love is priceless. And thank you, Kettely, for your assistance and dedication.
To my family and all of my friends from everywhere, especially the goddesses—I haven’t named you all because I don’t want to carelessly leave anyone out—because every one of you feeds my soul.
To Cole and Ella, thank you for letting Mommy work with me even when you really wanted her attention. And thank you, Greg, for your brotherly love that included lots of support and encouragement.
I must say a very special thank-you to Spencer David Means—a good friend who not only gave us important details on the real estate business but whose spirit brightens anyone who comes in contact with him. A class act all the way. Thank you for being someone we all can count on … I feel fortunate to have you as a friend. And to David Daniels, thank you for all of your wonderful support and encouragement.
To Dale Harris, the only writing teacher who taught me you can’t write what you don’t know or feel. You showed me that I could write when so many others told me I couldn’t. Thank you for making me dig deeper. RIP.
To Sandi Gelles-Cole, whose tutelage was so helpful. With just a few words you helped to pull out what was lying under the surface. Your encouragement throughout the process meant so much to me. Thank you.
David Wirtschafter, for your sustained encouragement and guidance.
To Suzanne Gluck, thanks for taking us seriously and for nurturing, guiding, and believing in us. You, too, said just a few words that helped us to see how to really make Gotham Diaries come alive. You are formidable. Thank you. To Emily Nurkin and Christine Price, thank you for all of your assistance.
To Ellen Archer, Leslie Wells, and the entire crew at Hyperion, your contributions to and your passion for Gotham Diaries has been like a dream.
Crystal, we’ve come a long way, baby, from our days in Cannes … I am so glad you got on that plane … the ride has been interesting thus far, filled with lots of fun, good humor, and introspection … every step continues to be a joy … you go, girl! Your friendship is precious.
And most important—thank you, God, for all of the many blessings in my life and for the opportunity to be creative.
—T.L.L.
Greg—thank you for all of your inspiration, but more than anything, thank you for helping me create the greatest gifts of all—our children.
My sister, Ruthie—every time I talk to you, I feel like I’ve had a triple shot of espresso and just stepped out of a “You can do it!” seminar. Thank you. And thank you, David, for making Ruthie so happy.
My muse—Spencer Means—thank you for your friendship, wit, integrity, charm, and for finding me a home amidst my terrible case of sticker shock. And David Daniels, thank you for always being so kind and helpful.
To my University of Michigan English professors, Enid Zimmerman and Ralph Story, for teaching me free writing and encouraging all of my creative endeavors.
To my whole family, who has offered me a sense of belonging and grounding. For that, I thank all of you.
First, the McCrary side—Monga and Kid, your spirits live on in us. Vikki, my mother, you are truly one of a kind. Aunt Toni. Joe Nowell. Richard, Melva, Michelle, and Steven Nowell. Aunt Dores. Kathleen, David, Aaron, and Sarah Lewis. Wade, LaVerne, Lauren, and Justin McCree. Karen McCree—I can’t wait to read your book! Aunt Winnie. Mitchell, Kelen, and Megan Duncan. Shelley, Roger, and Camille. Renee Lee. Morgan Duncan. Aunt MoMo. Russell Smith. Kim and Andrew.
Now, the Barrington side—Grandmother Bernice and Hugh F. Barrington, your spirits live on in us. Auntie Fran and Uncle Arthur. Art, Romayne, Avery, and Amara Raines. Albert, Karen, Allison, and Ashley Raines. Uncle Hugh and Pat. Aunt Loretta. Nancy and Chasen. Karon. Linda, James, Austin, Carter, and Lyndon Whittacker. Hugh F. Barrington III.
Pat and Mama, you will always be loved and missed.
Aunt Webby—you are a treasure and a phenomenal human being. Aunt Evelyn—I’m looking forward to you coming East to “hold your babies.”
Charlette “June” Topsey—thank you for taking such loving care of my babies. I always know they are in good hands with you.
To my original Detroit crew—nobody can do it like we do it in the “D”—Leslie Danley and Wil Bennett, Nicole Doss, Nikki Skalski, Dominique Sims Lash, Carla Diggs Smith, Dena Dodd Perry, Marcia Mackey, Shaun Robinson, Keith Kelley, Lanier Covington, Mike Evans, Marty Jones, Dennis Archer, Ben Smith, and Byron Pitts—keep on writing, man!
Kyera Keenne-Cherot—thank you for opening so many rays of thought to me.
Now, my extended family—Rose Swanson, thank you for always being such a wonderful source of encouragement! And thank you, Rory, for being my first buddy. Joyce Dodd, your radiant smile resonates in everyone’s heart that had the pleasure of knowing you. Nancy Taylor Rosenberg—you have been a mentor since the day I met you. Fran Rauch, Peter Simonetta, Patrick Orr and the whole Tuxedo Park crew—you all keep life interesting. Richard Douglas and Pat Kearney—I’m waiting to send Cole down to Florida for that visit you promised.
Shauna Neely Osei-Yaw—thank you for all of the styling and one-of-a-kind jewelry. Cherie Johnson—thank you for always hooking up my hair, girl.
Thank you to the 66th Street and Third Avenue Starbucks for my rent-free office and especially to the crew who never let my caramel macchiato cups go empty—Shawn, Wendy, Damian, Shawnette, Olga, Blossom, Glenda, Herbert, Lupita, Betsy, Monique, Christina, Christopher, and all the rest of you who made me feel right at home.
Thanks to everyone at William Morris, especially our agent, the tenacious and brilliant Suzanne Gluck—you rock! You helped us breathe life into this BIG story. Dave Wirtschafter, thank you for still taking our phone calls even after reading the first script Tonya and I ever wrote. More important, thanks for telling us to keep writing. Emily Nurkin and Christine Price, your assistance is greatly appreciated.
Sandi Gelles-Cole—thank you for helping us iron out such a TIGHT plot line.
Thank you to everyone at Hyperion, especially Ellen Archer for believing and trusting in our characters, our world, and our story. Leslie Wells, as an editor, you have been completely on point! Thank you for helping take Gotham Diaries to the next level. Elisa Lee, thank you for always taking care of business.
Satchel and Jackson, you two are wise beyond your years, thank you for always telling it like it is.
Spike—you have been behind Tonya and me from this story’s infancy—your support and creative feedback have been invaluable.
Tonya—what a journey! What a pleasure! Working with you has been an honor. You have taught me so much—as a person, as a mother, as a writer. From L.A. to Miami to Martha’s Vineyard with children in tow—we multitasked, we worked our butts off, and we got it done!!! I am so proud of what we have created together and I look forward to our next book. Thank you for being an amazing partner, but more than anything, you’ve been a true friend.
Hello Friend up above—always, always, much love and much respect.
Peace and God Bless.
—C.M.A.