CAST AND CREW
I’ve recently come to the conclusion that the people who’ve helped this book happen had a level of involvement more provided by a cast and crew than a village. This cast and crew have fought, read, and bent over backwards to help this book as well as books prior to this one, be holdable. Without further blah blah blah, here, readers, is the cast and crew responsible for TOA.
Original readers who read the first book I ever wrote (I’m so sorry)
Eric Graham, Brigitta Nortker (look at where we started, big shot editor), Charlie Rash, Clara Connis.
My very own Knights of Vice Versa
Pandrew, JM, Richards, Micah, DK, Andrew. You are all hallelujahs to me.
The Knights of Beta-Reading
AA Crystal Holland-dog, Cara Reed, Becky Valkenburg, Emily Mollenkof, Nic Stone, Jenna Kilpinen, Jay Coles, Joel Harris, Diane Connis, Clara Connis, Liz Feldman, Nic Stone, Zoraida Cordova, Jay Coles. Thank you for the wisdom of who you are & telling me things that are wise.
The Davids of YA Contemporary™
David Arnold & David Levithan, you’ve shown me what it looks like to author with kindness. Thank you.
Beta-Readers of Other Books I’ve Written but Still Hide in Dark Corners of Shame
Benjamin Brooks…Brooks Benjamin?, Daniel Kelly, Sangu Mandanna, Lizzie Cook, Mike Chen, Clara Connis (again), Gwen Cole, Wendy Macknight, Avalon Rowe (OMG, YOU’RE IN A BOOK! :D), Chyela Rowe.
The Whatever We Were 17s
We probably weren’t swanky, but we survived. We learned. We made it regardless. I am thankful for all that you gave to me. Sara Biren, you’re a warrior princess.
Mrs. Miyagi/My Mr. Cratcher:
Sara Zarr. Thank you for your friendship, persistence, and wisdom.
The Person Who Shall Not Be Named
Matt Landis
Bookish Peeps Who’ve Made Me Feel at Home in a Mind Made of Earthquakes
Sabaa Tahir, Becky Albertalli, Jenna Kilpinen, Hikari Loftus, Adam Silvera, Natalie Lloyd.
The Rock Crik Fellership Youth Group
Thank you for reminding me why I write, and letting me eat Doritos even when I’m doing a Paleo diet.
Guy Hoping to Sell the Binders Filled With First Book Drafts on Ebay
Charlie Rash. It’s been an honor to be broken with you.
Biggest Fans/People Who’ve Always Seemed to Really Like My Music (still puzzling to me)
David and Chyela Rowe. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
People Who’ve Loved/Supported Me & Prayed for Me Since Birth
Mom and Dad. Your love is incredible. Sorry I killed that laptop with chocolate milk.
Agent/Slayer/Awesome Sauce
Eric Smith. You said “I love this” when I was about to say “I’m done.” Thanks for helping me learn how to celebrate the now. (Nena, I see you. Thanks for telling Eric to follow his dreams and supporting me while you’re at it.)
TeamRocks
May we slay together in all our waterfall glory.
That Indie Book Seller
Star Lowe, may Starline Books take over the world.
Editor with the Patience of a Saint
Nicole Frail, thanks for deciding TOA was worth it & for not killing me for the 80,000 emails I sent.
Sky Pony Team
Emily Shields, Katrina Enright, Ming Liu.
The Fam and Friends
There have been so many of you who’ve encouraged me and helped me along the way. Mom & Dad Demaster clan (babysitting $$$!), Mom and dad, thank you for all you’ve done.
The Looking for Eden Band
David Henry, Sammie Brown, Joel Harris, Noah Barnett, Hannah Lutz, John-Michael Forman, Spencer McGuire. The least I could give you was your own section.
One who Deserves Everything
Clara Connis. I can’t even begin to write how much I owe you for all you’ve done to support and love me. Where others folded, you held strong. When I was obsessed, you were understanding. Never say I got the raw end of the deal, because this book, who I am, how I love, and my drive to be a better human is because of you. Here’s to our years of blazing. Here’s to our fighting. Here’s to the times we have to apologize. Here’s to the times when we don’t. I love you.
The Real MVP
When I think I’m about to run out of words, I remember that you’ve got giant storehouses full. Thanks for dying for me. You didn’t have to do it. When I’m prone to wander, you’re prone to look for me. Thanks for being my inspiration/PR and marketing team/cheerleader/comforter/beta-reader. For teaching me to escape Deception Pass.
The Majestic Flailfuss
Asa, this book is dedicated to you. Do you really need to be here, too? Just kidding. Why I write makes so much more sense since you came along and I hope this book makes you proud.
Bucket
We love you. Have fun with your friends and see you soon.