ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Though writing is a solitary pursuit, publishing requires a team effort.

I want to thank the team at Angry Robot Books. First, for opening the pod bay doors and allowing my submission to sneak in without an agent. And second, for telling me you loved my book – what every writer hopes to hear someday about their life’s work.

I especially want to thank Gemma for always being responsive and understanding; your help has been invaluable. And Eleanor, who walked this newbie through her contract with utmost patience and professionalism.

To Simon, my editor, thank you for digging out the deeper parts of this story and making it a better book. Your questions and comments took me in directions I hadn’t planned and for that I am grateful. And thanks to Andrew who handled the copyedits and found mistakes I never would have. Thank you, Mark Ecob for the fabulous cover which inspired me more than you know. Thanks to Caroline, Angry Robot publicist extraordinaire, and to the Robot Army for promoting everyone’s work so diligently.

I need to thank my husband, Bob Daley, for reading a version of this book many years ago, for always encouraging my writing pursuits and for reading this current version during a pandemic. You told me I needed to put my work out into the world, and you were right. Just this one time, though. Don’t get cocky.

Thanks to everyone who kept asking me if I was still writing, to those who said they believed in me, and thanks to Andrea, my first (non-relative) reader. Also, thanks to all my friends who responded to the news about my debut novel with unabashed support and genuine happiness for me.

And a special thank you to my fellow writers in the #TranspatialTavern. You welcomed in this orphan writer no questions asked, and for that I am heartily appreciative. I never expected to find such a fantastic group of friends from all over the world united by a common goal, a common joy, a common love. What an incredible pool of talent; I’m honored to be included.