Like so many good things, a book is a group effort. This project simply would not have happened without the guiding insight of my editor, friend, and eternal champion Emily M. Keeler, whose mind is an international treasure. If only every single book could be edited by Emily. Many heaps of thanks also go to Alana Wilcox and the Coach House team, who generously took a chance on this idea and have ushered it to fruition with utmost wisdom, enthusiasm, and, most especially, patience. I’m a lucky woman.
I’ve been fortunate to have the support and encouragement of many good people along the way, both during the process of writing and in the course of events that led to it. Special thanks go to Carmen Price, Lisan Jutras, Naben Ruthnum, Danielle Liebowitz, Laura-Louise Tobin, Jon Medow, Shawn Micallef, Hamutal Dotan, Sarah Barmak, Alex Molotkow, Ruby Brunton, Heather Zayde, Tabatha Southey, Carly Fisher, Greylord and Julio, my Brit + Co crew, and to Ivor Tossell, my first reader and hand-holder and dinner-feeder, for continuing to give me cause to hold my nose and proceed with the conventions of love.
Finally, a special thanks to my family – especially my parents, Rick and Marina, and my brothers Casey and Ricky.