Liar’s Circus wouldn’t exist without a telephone call from my editor, Peter Hubbard, one steamy August day; that conversation started a fast-moving chain of events that tapped into something I’d long been wanting to do: explore my own country. For that and for all his support and incisive editing, I’m deeply grateful. Not to mention everyone at Custom House/William Morrow, especially Sharyn Rosenblum, Molly Gendell, and Kayleigh George.
It’s been twenty years since I signed my first book contract under the wise counsel of my agent, Joe Regal, and we’re still at it like an old married couple, the wrestling and fighting masking a productive relationship that feels as foundational to my life and my career as, well, a marriage. I’m deeply thankful for him and everyone at Regal Hoffmann Literary.
I was nervous plunging into the world of Trump’s rallies and surprised by the welcome and fellowship from so many; I’m especially thankful to Gale Roberts, Richard Snowden, Rick Frazier, Dave Thompson, and Christine Howard for allowing me into their lives. In Shreveport I’m grateful to Vernon and Mary Sue Rich for hospitality and insight and taking me into their community. And to Vernon Jr., for making it happen.
Iwonka Swenson deserves a special thanks for not just friendship and wise literary counsel, but taking care of Riley during so many weeks away.
I’m grateful to early readers including Clifton Wiens, Scott Wallace, Joshua Hammer, and Kris Arnold.
Thanks to Katie Rogers for counsel.
A special thank-you to my sister, Jean Hoffman, for insight, support, and enthusiasm over early drafts. And to my children, Lily, Max, and Charlotte, whose voices, texts, and presence were incredibly soothing to me in the midst of the crazy circus.