I feel like the luckiest girl in the world to be able to write books and share them with the world. I am beyond grateful for my agent, Elaine Spencer, who makes it all possible, always has my back, and also does a wonderful job with early edit notes. Also top of the list is my editor, Margot Mallinson, who is amazingly insightful and talented. My books are so much better because of her. The gift of a good editor can never be underestimated. There are also so many people behind the scenes at Mira that I can’t thank enough. To have such a wonderful publisher is a dream come true.
Also, thanks to my Authors18 group, whom I could not live without. They are my tribe, and we have been together through thick and thin.
I would also like to thank Helie Rohner of Hilo, who took the time to meet with me and share her experiences of what it was like growing up in Hilo and spending time at Volcano back in the day. Another valuable resource was this publication on the National Parks History website about Volcano during the war years: http://www.npshistory.com/publications/ hawaii/wwii-special-history.pdf. It is an extremely thorough and well-researched document, and I encourage anyone interested in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park history to read it.
On the home front, I am forever grateful to all my friends who listen to my continual book ramblings. Especially Lilly Barels, who has been by my side since day one, and Mia Kresser, whom I can count on to read early copies and give great feedback. Her response is always: It needs to be longer because I don’t want it to end. Music to an author’s ears! Also, to my mother, Diane, who is always there to bounce stuff off of, and Marilyn Carlsmith, who lived through the war here on Hawaii island. Thanks to Lucy (my sweet dog) and Kitty, who supervise all my writing sessions. And last but not least, Todd (Honey) Clark, the man of my dreams, who is always by my side.