The Gravity of Us has only one name on the cover, but if I listed everyone who had an influence on this book—and my career—it’d take another hundred pages. I know every other author says that, but it’s true. There’s no way I could have done this alone! Because of all your help, some thank-yous are in order:
To Brent Taylor, the best agent in the biz, for being a steadfast champion of my work. There’s no one out there who works harder for their clients, and I consider myself very lucky to be represented by you. And an extra special thank-you to my agent sibling Whitney Gardner, who first connected me with Brent. You’re the best cheerleader I could have had through this process.
To Mary Kate Castellani, my brilliant editor, for having a wealth of faith in me—and Cal!—from day one. You pushed me, you caught me every time I cut corners, and helped me create a book I’m unbelievably proud to call my own. To all of Bloomsbury Children’s—Claire Stetzer, Courtney Griffin, Lily Yengle, Erica Barmash, Oona Patrick, Danielle Ceccolini, Donna Mark, Melissa Kavonic, and Cindy Loh—and to my illustrator Patrick Leger for their creativity, insight, professionalism, and enthusiasm throughout this process.
To Chelsea Sedoti and Jenny Howe for your early critiques. You were the first people to get to know and love Cal, and your excitement for his journey built my confidence as I readied the book for the submissions process.
To Josh Hlibichuk for being a fantastic friend through all this. You were the first person I told about my book deal, which makes sense, as you were the first person I complained to about every single step of the submissions process. And to Jo Farrow for coming up with the title of the book, and for all your support and friendship over the years—I hate to expose this secret, but you’re a softie at heart and everyone needs to know it.
To the amazing authors who blurbed this book: Becky Albertalli, Adam Silvera, Karen M. McManus, Jeff Zentner, Shaun David Hutchinson, Caleb Roehrig, Julian Winters, Chelsea Sedoti, and Adib Khorram. Having read and loved your books so much, I was beyond honored to have your support.
To Adam, Caleb, and Kevin—with special guests Ryan and Kosoko. By the time this book is out, the snake (me) will have already been revealed and destroyed our chat. We’re probably sworn enemies now, but know that I’ll always have a special place in my heart for the Real Housewives of YA. *twirl*
To Beth Revis for her magical query critiques and constant guidance. To Caitie for being an advocate for my work. And to all my writerly friends who haven’t already been mentioned, including Lilah, Kristine, Greg, Rachel, Anna, Katie, Katelyn, Jess, Leann, Marley, Morgan, Tasha, Annie, Melissa, Kim, and Nic.
To Amanda Bennett for originally (and continually) encouraging me to write novels. And to Ali, Laura, and Meghan for taking me in when I was twenty-two and had no business making adult decisions for myself. Without you all, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. Especially you, Laura. *crash*
To Heather Croley. From fast getaways with the parking brake on, to “415 Miles for Ronnie Day,” the only reason I’m able to write such real, meaningful YA friendships is because of everything we had … and still have!
To Ali and Reuven Szleifer for your friendship through the most stressful and the most exciting years of my writing career to date. There’s no one else I’d rather share a bottle (… or two) of celebratory rosé with. To Diana S., Kiersten M., Greg M., Caitlin P., Jasmine B., Elizabeth M., Megan L., Nicole A., Chloe F., Hannah A., and Whitney D.—your friendship and support over all this time have been priceless.
To my husband, Jonathan, for being by my side through the many highs and lows of this process. Over the years, you’ve stepped into many roles—editor, manager, therapist, and cheerleader—and without your support and input, there’s no way I’d be the writer (or the person) I am today. I love you!
To Andi and Bruce, Rachel and Greg, and the rest of the Stein family for all the love and support you’ve given me over the years.
To my parents, Karen and Phil (Sr.), for always encouraging me to pursue my creative and nerdy passions. Whether it was a community theatre performance, marching band show, or piano recital, you always made sure you had a front-row seat. You’ve been cheering me on every step of the way, and I’m so happy I make you proud. To the rest of the Stamper and Lamb families for all the love you’ve given to me (and this book!) over the years. I love you all so much!
To Ella Lamb, my granny, for everything you did to make me who I am today, from buckets of Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken to the countless games of Euchre, Yahtzee, and Vegas Stakes we played over the years. I’ll always be your buddy.