Jodi Kendall—thanks for your love and support and the fabulous author photo.
Rebecca Behrens—I can’t remember, am I Kate or Allie? Thanks for figuratively holding my hair while I puked through this entire process.
Michelle Schusterman—meet you at 8th Street!
Nova Ren Suma—you’ve inspired me in so many ways. Thanks for taking me under your wing.
My Putnam editor sister wives—Heather Mackey, Jessica Spotswood, Brandy Colbert, Rachel Hawkins—thanks for welcoming me into the fold, but most of all to Maggie Hall, my number one editor sister wife. We’ve been there for each other every step of the way. I couldn’t have gotten through this without you.
My NYC write night posse—Bridget Casey, Kristi Olson, Kathryn Holmes, Edith Cohen, Ghenet Myrthil, Erin Slattery. XO
The Freshman Fifteens—so lucky to be a part of this amazing group of writers. Special mention to Jasmine Warga, Lee Kelly, Kelly Loy Gilbert, Jenn Marie Thorne, and Virginia Boecker for being true confidantes. Shout-out to the Fearless Fifteens who made this such a fun journey. Sabaa Tahir for that phone call—you know which one. And Adam Silvera for the best hugs.
Thanks to Courtney Stevens for those early morning pep talks. Emma Dryden for your professional support and friendship.
Gabriella Perriera and my first writing group, Quill and Coffee.
There are so many authors who’ve been kind to me along the way and offered early encouragement for no other reason than because they’re awesome—Veronica Rossi, Donna Cooner, Erin Morgenstern, Holly Black, Melissa Marr, April Tucholke, Megan Shepherd, Gretchen McNeil, Kendare Blake, and Carrie Ryan.
My husband, Ken Peplowski—thank you for being my very first editor and for nurturing my love of words and literature.
My family—Maddie Liggett and Rahm Liggett. Thanks for sharing me with this imaginary world and for letting me hijack parts of your personality. I wrote this for you.
My parents, John and Joyce, and my sister, Cristie—you always told me I could do anything I wanted in life. Thankfully, I believed you.