Acknowledgments

Each time I write a book, I think, this will be a breeze to write. After all, I’ve written a few novels and it stands to reason that I’ve mastered the skill of novel writing. But it doesn’t take long to realize I’m wrong. I get lost in the words and can’t remember how to write a book at all. Without the following people, my champions, critics, and creative coaches, this book might still be stuck on my hard drive, in literary limbo. I owe them my gratitude for helping me remember how to write.

First and always, my thanks to my family for their patience, encouragement and faith. To my husband, my children, my parents, and my siblings, your support always has a way of lighting the darkness. You’re there when I need you most. I love you all.

No show of gratitude could ever be enough for Caitlyn McFarland, who helped me take the seed of an idea and mold it into a flushed-out story. Thank you, Caitlyn, for being my sounding board, my first reader, and my friend when I was sleep deprived and whiny. My heartfelt thanks go to Lindsey Leavitt, who took my plot crises and showed me a smorgasbord of possibilities. When I started to lose my way, Charlie Holmberg, Kathryn Purdie, and Pintip Dunn helped draw more emotion into the story by giving invaluable romance advice. To Rahul Kanakia who is brilliant and knows exactly when to call me and share anecdotal humorous advice. My gratitude to Veeda Bybee for writing on my couch when I needed a friend and nudging me to continue learning and growing. And the hugest huggy thanks to Jodi Meadows and C. J. Redwine who are practically shoe-ins for Buffy the Vampire Slayer because they saved me from a rabid bat attack and became my go-to cheerleader support when I wanted to give up.

I would be utterly adrift without my agent, Josh Adams, who always manages to steer me in the right direction. Thank you for being my champion on this literary journey. I am ever grateful that you found value in that first manuscript I sent your way.

My heartfelt thanks goes to Nicole Sclama, who found the heart of my story and helped it to beat through the pages. And to my wonderful team at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt—Tara Shanahan, Tara Sonin, Alia Almeida, and Emma Gordon—you have provided wonderful support, creative marketing ideas, and stunning books. You are a joy to work with.

While writing Once A King, I found friends in the blogger/Instagram community that inspired me and encouraged my love of reading and writing. Thanks to Christine Manzari for supporting me and offering friendship. Many thanks to the wonderful Bookstagrammers that have welcomed me and offered wonderful advice—Bridget Howard, Kristen Williams, Kayla Cercone, Erin Fehres, Cait Herold, Brittney Singleton, Brie Wood, Tara Hansen, Christy Mullins, Fallon Vaughn, Kristina Selby, Rebecca Longi, Joanna Garcia, Dina Dennaoui, Meredith Mara, Sara from , Lori from , Lisa from @lifeinlit, Nicole from , Christy from , Anna from @thecityofdarkclockwork, Mariana from , and Mai from .

My warmest thanks goes to those that have been willing to hear my ideas and give feedback and friendship over the years—Peggy Eddleman, Jessie Humphries, Emily King, Tricia Levenseller, Elana Johnson, Adam Johnson, Sara Larson, Rosalyn Eves, Brekke Felt, Taffy Lovell, Erik and Shanelle Bayles, and Rob and Karly Code.

And last but not least, to all the readers. I’m ever grateful for your kind words and willingness to read my stories. Your continued support and pre-orders always humble me.