As many people have said before me, writing a book is not a solo endeavor. There are so many people to thank:
Natalie Lakosil, for pulling me out of the slush and for being willing to stick with me. Your enthusiasm and support and complete kindness has been a pure gift. I will never forget your surprise phone call and hearing of the offer. That moment will live inside me forever.
Annie Berger, for loving my wolf book and having a vision that shined up the rough parts. You knew exactly what to say to help me transform this manuscript. Working with you has been a dream. The entire team from Sourcebooks has been just magnificent. I could never have asked for a more wondrous experience for my debut. Thank you to everyone who’s played a role in bringing my book to life: Cassie Gutman, Lynne Hartzer, Heather Moore, Mallory Hyde, Ashlyn Keil, Nicole Hower, Jana Heidersdorf, Travis Hasenour, Danielle McNaughton, Dominique Raccah, Todd Stocke, Margaret Coffee, Heidi Weiland, and Valerie Pierce.
Lacee Little, your friendship has sustained me in ways I cannot express. You have propped me up countless times and have been a constant, consistent source of strength and wisdom. My gratitude for your unfailing generosity, your honesty in my work, and your undying love for Dianna Wynne Jones.
Lauren Spieller, you were the first I called with my news for a reason. You’ve been with me nearly from the start of this long, long journey and know the ups and downs better than nearly anyone. Thank you for always being willing to tell me what I needed to hear instead of what I wanted to hear. I’ll put it in writing: you’re always right.
Mary Parton, for being a champion and a transformative friend. Emily Neal, for being the absolute best guide in what books to read. Kurt Hartwig, for writing pirates with me when I was sure I’d never figure out how to write again. Rebecca Petruck, for opening your home and your heart, and for making the most delicious scrambled eggs I’ve ever had. Mel Stephenson, for insisting I learn how to say thank you when complimented and that I treat myself in healthy ways. Rebecca Enzor, for being logic when I didn’t understand what was going wrong in my writing.
David and Cathy Bock, Maria Stout, Jessica Vitalis, Tara Creel, Kara Seal, Mare Hagarty, Alexandra Alessandri, Kate Foster, Laurie Lascos, Bronwyn Clark, and Ron Walters, for reading early drafts. Your enthusiasm and hope for this story gave me clarity and inspiration.
The #PitchWars team, for providing me with an outlet for writing, where I could give back to the community and push my own skills forward in a positive way. Stacy Hackney, Julie Artz, Lacee Little, Bronwyn Clark, and Lorelei Savaryn. You were the best mentees a mentor could ever hope for. Thank you for my owl necklace.
My path to publication was not a straight one. At its core, The Wolf of Cape Fen is about a girl learning to accept and be honest about her dreams and understanding that her dreams are what will inevitably save her, despite how difficult they are to admit to. Keeping this in mind, I send a quiet, heartfelt thank-you to the thirteen manuscripts I wrote before The Wolf of Cape Fen. They taught me everything I know about writing.
And lastly, but firstly, thank you to my family:
My parents, Marsha and Randy Brandt. Your steadfast faith that I would be published someday always seemed silly to me. How could you possibly know such a thing? But as always, you knew what I did not. Your unwavering belief in me gave me the space to dream brilliantly and the dedication to keep going, even when the road was tough. I could never say thank you enough for that.
My sister, Katie Woodard. I wrote this story as a way to understand and share what it was like growing up with you as my big sister. You always let me be as dreamy and wild as I needed, and because of that, I always felt safe and loved being exactly who I was. You are my Eliza. This book is for you. Thank you.