There’s a strange paradox with writing. It can feel solitary, as though there’s nothing but the sound of laptop keys to keep me company. But that’s not the case. There are so many wonderful people who have contributed in meaningful ways to the creation of this story. If I forget any of you, forgive me, it’s not on purpose. The truth is, by this stage of the writing process I’m an emotionally drained zombie. If I remember to put on pants, I consider it a win.
Firstly, to the love of my life. You fought death, survived countless surgeries, and didn’t let flesh-eating bacteria keep you from returning home to your family. I am in awe of you. Your strength, determination, and pigheaded stubbornness are gifts I’ll never take for granted again. Thank you for surviving, for loving me throughout it all. Your battle wounds are beautiful, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Amber, you’ve become one of my closest, most trusted friends. I know I say this all the time, but it doesn’t make it any less true: I’d be lost without you. Thank you for reading and rereading As You Were ad nauseum, for cheering alongside every triumph and commiserating with every setback. You’re a gorgeous soul, and stuck with me forever.
My betas are the most wonderful women around. Lorna, you loved this book from the start. Thank you for taking a chance on me, for your positivity and selflessness. I am eternally grateful. Michelle, you’re a sparkly unicorn personified. Thank you for going above and beyond, for sharing your love of books with the world, and for straightening the crowns of others. Saffron, you’re such a talent. Thank you for encouraging me to make the big moments bigger; Zeke and Willow’s love story is all the better for it. And Jeannine, who’s fast becoming one of my favorite people, thank you for your honesty, humor, and generosity. I’m blessed to have you in my life.
My family and friends are a support network I’d be lost without. For all the conversations about men who don’t exist, for all the chatter about musicians we’ll never hear, for all the junk food eaten throughout, thank you.
Grazie to David and Mrs. Robusti for turning my Aussie vernacular into something way sexier.
Fellow authors, thank you for teaching me what it means to be a part of the indie scene. Thank you for promoting the success of others, for your big hearts and open minds. Thank you for being charitable with your wisdom. I promise to do the same.
Hang Le, you’ve blown me away. Again. I’m sorry this cover caused you so much grief, but thank you for persevering. The end result is stunning, I squeal every time I look at it.
Stacey Blake, you take something mundane and turn it into something gorgeous. Your work is mesmerizing, imperative, integral to authors like me. Thank you.
Olivia and the team at Hot Tree Editing, it’s an absolute pleasure working with you. Thank you for the hours spent slaving over my book baby. I appreciate everything you do.
ARC Team, you’re warriors I’m humbled to have by my side. Thank you for your support, your enthusiasm, your willingness to spread the love.
Lee’s Pipers, you’re my safe place, my support team, my loudest cheer squad. Knowing you have my back, like I do yours, is an honor and a privilege. You guys rock.
Bloggers, I’m blown away by your love of books. Thank you for sharing, for posting, for reviewing, for voting. Thank you for everything you do to promote authors like myself. I’m eternally grateful.
Readers, I love you so hard. The fact you cherish these characters more than I do says everything about how awesome you are. Thank you for getting in contact, for the emoji-laden pm’s and emotional voice messages. Thank you for trusting me with your hearts, I promise not to break them.
And finally, to my beautiful girls. I’m going to balance this whole work/life thing better in the future because you’re so worth it. And for the gazillionth time, no, I can’t read you this story. Choose a picture book instead.