First, thanks to God, who opens doors I never dreamed possible. I also owe a great debt to my husband, Dan, who took on a multitude of extra responsibilities so I could write this book and who encouraged me every day. Mom and Dad, your support gave me the confidence to pursue a career in writing, and I am forever grateful. Cheers to my brother, Mike, who’s also been bitten by the writing bug and shared in my excitement at this opportunity. A huge thank you to my writing mentors, especially Marjorie Stelmach, Jeff Seglin, and my former coworkers at Natural Health magazine—in particular, Daphna Cox. Your appreciation of language instilled a lifelong love of the written word, and your demand for excellence continues to inspire me.
Thanks also to John Gettings and Jill Alexander at Fair Winds Press for making this book possible, and to Laura Smith, whose editing and encouragement helped make the book the best it could be.