My publisher suggested that I include acknowledgements in my novel. Having far too many people to thank for the amount of support and guidance they’ve given me over the years, I chose not to put any acknowledgements in the book at all. Instead, I decided to place them here, where I’m not limited by words or pages. I can go on and on and on and on and on. I can even add to it as I see fit. Isn’t that nice?
I have to start by thanking Brad, my husband, for having faith in me when I didn’t have faith in myself. He told me, repeatedly, that I could do it. He’s listened to my frustrations and my joys. He’s offered advice, patience and love. Brad is amazing. You all should be jealous. Seriously. There are a lot of husbands out there and I got the best one.
I also need to thank my kids, so much. Gus read the manuscript and gave me feedback from a teenage perspective. Bebe allowed me to read the book to her while I was in the final stage of editing, as reading aloud helps me to find the mistakes so much more easily than reading in silence. She also provided a great deal of feedback from her own teenage perspective. Both Gus and Bebe have been my cheerleaders from day one. They are also the reason I am using my own name and not a pen name on the book. They told me they wanted to be able to point to their mom’s book on a bookshelf, to show it off to people and feel that pride. I further need to thank my mother, Clarabell Moses, for being excited for me, always asking about the progress and reading my book in its infancy. Having written several books herself, she knows all too well the amount of effort it takes to get a novel created and published.
My agent, Marisa Corvisiero, is a powerhouse. She knows the ins and outs of the industry like no other. She had faith in my manuscript and in me. Kendyll Drilling was invaluable in getting the kinks worked out. She had perspectives that I didn’t realize I needed. I attribute Kendyll’s insight to the novel turning from something I thought was pretty good to something I feel really proud to share. Michele Thomas at AcuteByDesign has been absolutely amazing every step of the way. From the first time we spoke, I felt a kinship and I knew my novel would be in good hands. I also have to thank Shawn for being patient with me through my changes and my questions. He’s never failed to be both kind and responsive. Ellinor Davis-Greene created a beautiful cover. In fact, she created several beautiful covers, each one unique and lovely.
I have many, many friends who have supported me with their love and support throughout this journey. There are far too many to be named but I will give it a shot. Whether you were there to lift my spirits, push me through or just tell me you believed in me, I appreciate you. Anth has always somehow known when I needed someone. Unerringly, if I’ve felt lost or alone, I’ve gotten a text out of the blue saying hi, I was thinking of you, I love you. We don’t talk often anymore, we’re both so busy, but that doesn’t mean our friendship is any less important and impactful than it has always been. Sarah gave me pep talks all the way through those early pages. She reminded me that publishing my novel was a when, not an if. Once again, Sarah and I haven’t talked in a while, but that doesn’t mean I don’t think about her daily. I do. Danalynn has been put through almost everything life can throw at her but still took time for me, building me up and showing that she cared. Evie has, perhaps, been my biggest cheerleader. I can’t imagine a world without a friend like Evie who has given me permission to be myself, has grumbled with me, cheered with me, laughed with me and cried with me. Kaela, you don’t even know how much you inspired me. "What would Kaela do?" has been a sometimes-mantra of mine when getting overwhelmed. Satu, I could write a book about your kindness and generosity of spirit – and I, in fact, wrote an entire character based on you. Unfortunately, that chapter ended up getting cut so you won’t see it, but in my heart it’s still there. Sorry. I would be remiss not to mention all of my Scrums, who are among the most creative and thoughtful people in the world: Jez, Yvette, Rachel, Red Rachel, Shaked, Tiia, Sadie, Amy, Amanda, Victoria and Jason, my own, personal Wonderwall. Heather, I have to thank you for giving me feedback and encouragement while also working on your own thrilling manuscript. Christie, your talent is limitless. Having your kind thoughts and words in my ears made a difference I’m sure you weren’t fully aware of.
In addition, several of you have reached out over the last couple of years, telling me how excited you are about my book and how proud you are of me. Though I’m not mentioning every name here, please know that I remember each and every one of you.
Thank you all for the part you played, however large or small. I will forever be in your debt.
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