To them that talk, them that listen, and all of them stuck in between…
The Six a.m. Thursday Morning socio-politico-religio discussion group and kaffeegargle: Steve Burke, Andy Hartzell, Roger Peterman, and Rick Rafferty. Camaraderie combined with the mesh and clash of ideas; what a way to wake up.
My good friend and neighbor in Fairhope, Alabama: Gerard Lawson, who keeps me abreast of Mobile-area happenings when I’m home in Kentucky. Just up the highway are Bill and Toni Riales; thanks for the great food and conversation, guys. Can’t forget Captain Bobby Abruscato, fishing guide and storyteller deluxe.
Sandy Carroll and Mike Whitehead, who fill my kitchen with words and music.
My children, with whom I can discuss anything from philosophy to the lyrics of Green Day.
On the publishing side, my “dynamic duo” at HarperCollins, UK: Julia Wisdom and Anne O’Brien. Our chats are generally by e-mail, and keep my writing in time and tune.
All the folks at the Aaron Priest Literary Agency, especially Aaron, who’s not shy about saying, “This isn’t working, Jack. Try something else.”
My wife, Elaine, who told me to get my hindquarters out of advertising and write novels.