I was born and raised in the Philippines before we moved to Canada, and drama series are very popular there. I remember five days a week between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m., without fail, I would be in front of the TV with my parents, brother, and sister—sometimes even with my cousins and aunts—watching shows back to back.
I think watching all those shows inspired me to write. I’ve had these characters in my head for so long that it wasn’t a struggle to write about them. Since I started writing, I’ve written different versions of all the characters in Chasing Red, and I realized all those stories were practice and led me to write this book.
To my Wattpad readers—there are so, so many of you to mention. Please know that I wouldn’t be where I am without your positivity, your support, and your love. Thank you for the friendship, the endless encouragement, and the fangirling for Caleb and Red. There is no Chasing Red without you. I wake up grateful because of you.
Lianne, my twinks. Thank you for all the late-night phone calls and coffee dates as we brainstormed on the next chapter of Red and Caleb’s story. We talked so much about them that they feel real to us. You are irreplaceable and I love you.
The amazing Wattpad team, especially Caitlin O’Hanlon—you are my energy drink. I still remember that first email: it’s legit! Ha-ha. Thank you for always taking care of me and replying to my crazy text messages. The sparkle in your eyes always makes me smile. Ashleigh Gardner—how many times you’ve clearly explained things to me so I can stop panicking. You are an amazing force of nature and I can’t thank you enough for everything. Teach me the ways, master! Aron Levitz—I’m very grateful for your hard work and super cool glasses. Nazia Khan—I learned so much from you. I still have the notes you gave me and they will forever be pinned to my corkboard. And to Allen Lau and Ivan Yuen—thank you for creating Wattpad. You didn’t give up on your dreams, and because of that, ours came true.
The Sourcebooks team, especially my editor, Cat Clyne. Because of you, Chasing Red is a better book. Thank you for your guidance and understanding my vision. You’ve taught me so much and I’m grateful! You are Wonder Woman. To Laura Costello—you’re incredible. I’m so thankful for your valuable suggestions, and I’m glad you love Caleb’s taste in scary movies! A very big thank-you to Heather Hall and Diane Dannenfeldt for all your hard work and feedback. Beth Sochacki—I still wear my pin, girl. Thank you so much for helping me promote Chasing Red on social media. Dawn Adams—you are a genius and I love the covers so much!
Tatay and Mama—you’ve worked so hard to raise us and all I want is to make you proud. I love you both so much.
My Adam. When I told you about my dreams and I know they sounded impossible—but you believed them because you believed in me. Thank you for the pancakes. You’re my Caleb.
And to God. For making everything possible. For loving me despite all my faults. For never letting me forget what’s important. For giving me all the people in my life. For being there always.
Love,
Isabelle