THE KING’S QUESTIONER is a book that might never have been written if not for a team of people (both personal and professional) who nudged—and sometimes shoved—me forward. Thank goodness they did or it wouldn’t now be in your hands!
A huge and overwhelming thank-you to the team at Swoon Reads and Macmillan. Editor extraordinaire Holly West helped both to nail down the plot and characters at the beginning when I sold the book, as well as polish the manuscript to the very end. Val Otarod got me through the exhausting and daunting editorial process and made me kill some of my darling scenes to get the pacing as perfect as possible. I’m also so appreciative of everyone who touched, edited, read, critiqued, and produced the novel: Mandy Veloso, Kat Brzozowski, Jean Feiwel, Brian Luster, and Erin Siu. To Liz Dresner, my fabulous cover designer, I love the ambience and magical elements that bring Kalen’s story to life.
To my agent Kate Schafer Testerman, thank you for championing this book from the beginning.
To Demetra Brodsky—we did it again, girl! I can’t believe we both have books coming out this year. Thank you for talking me off the ledge and pushing my butt into the chair to write and revise. Love you always.
A special note of appreciation to all the authors in the Swoon Squad for your endless support, answers, virtual hugs, and commiserating! Many tears and endless nights were averted because you guys are always there.
San Diego has an amazing community of local authors, and I’m thankful for the continued friendship of Debra Driza, Shannon Messenger, Mary Pearson, and Cindy Pon.
And if it wasn’t for my original critique partners, Andrea Ortega and Lisa Cannon, none of my books would have been published!
To my friends who pick up the phone … even at 2:00 in the morning Amy, Cathy, Emily, Jayne, Jen, Jim, Kristin, Maria, Robin, and Ryan. Each of you has been instrumental during this particular book’s journey and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
To my kiddos, Katelyn, Kendall, and Lincoln. Thank you again for supporting me during this process. I know it’s not easy when I shut the door and type away for hours. I hope I make you proud with each book that I write.
To my mom, Barb, thank you for your unwavering support these last couple of years. I know it hasn’t been easy! To my brother, Kenny, I love you always and I know you have my back no matter what. And to Paul and Brandy, thank you for your encouragement and for being part of my extended family.
To Matt, thank you for loving me unconditionally and for your patience … even months before we met. Thank you for being the first nonindustry person to read this book, and for catching the grammar errors! I love you forever and can’t wait for our fairy-tale ending.