This is one of my favorite parts of the writing process, where I get to name names. You know, the people who stand behind the author, prodding, praying, and breathing a sigh of relief when it’s all over. I’ll try to keep it short.
I am as usual grateful for the encouragement, advice, and common sense provided by my husband. Scott puts up with his daydreamy, disorganized, and distractible wife with uncanny grace and good humor. He’s also gotten to be quite a good editor. Then there’s my best friend, Tammy, who faithfully reads and prays over everything and helps me pitch out bad ideas and replace them with good ones. I love you guys.
Honestly, this book wouldn’t have seen the light of day without my longtime friend and agent, Chip MacGregor. Somehow, in the middle of the chaotic swings of turn-of-the-century book publishing, he found a partner for my dream of setting the rich Gulf Coast historical narrative as a fictional family saga, and introduced me to Lonnie Hull Dupont—an editor with experience, insight, and an extraordinary love for the written word. I am blessed beyond expression.
I would also like to thank the faithful friends and family who have prayed for me during the stressful time of first-draft writing, full-time teaching, and trying to stay active in church—especially my choir students at LeFlore High School. Yes, children, Mrs. White has finished that book. Fist bump.
Finally, the job of a novelist is to entertain, but if she can at the same time hold up a mirror to society, so much the better. With that in mind, I would like to thank a few wise and gentle brothers and sisters who, over the past three years, have helped me explore what it means to be free to pursue life, liberty, and happiness. You know who you are.
Mobile, Alabama
June 2013