Acknowledgments
I’ve always daydreamed of writing an acknowledgments page, much in the way that actors dream of giving Oscar acceptance speeches. And now here’s my chance! Even better, I get to type this while wearing pajamas instead of an uncomfortable gown and heels. Lucky for me there’s neither a live audience nor aren’t-you-done-yet? music because I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the many, many people who have helped me reach this stage, and it’s making me a little teary eyed.
Huge, from-the-bottom-of-my-heart-accompanied-by-hugs-and-baked-goods thank-yous to the following people:
My team at Walker—Emily Easton, Mary Kate Castellani, Laura Whitaker, Patricia McHugh, Jill Amack, and everyone else there who worked to bring Mia’s story to the shelves.
The dreamiest of dream agents, Joe Monti, as well as Barry Goldblatt, Tricia Ready, and the rest of the BG Literary family. Regina Forever.
Jenny Southard, my go-to person for all things medical, and Kari Olson, whose patience with my radiology questions was truly impressive. Any mistakes are my fault. All medical brilliance is theirs.
My friends who forgave me when I canceled plans to stay in and write and were waiting to hang out when I needed to get away from my computer. And my fellow writers who read these pages and pushed me to be my best: Jonathan Maberry, Nancy Keim Comley, Kerry Gans, Katie Foucart, Leah Clifford, Tiffany Emerick, and Stacey Yiengst.
Team Sparkle—a.k.a. Scott Tracey, Courtney Summers, Victoria Schwab, Emily Hainsworth, Linda Grimes, and Susan Adrian—I owe them my sanity. Especially Emily, who read this manuscript more times than I can count and never lost her enthusiasm for Mia, Gyver, and co—have I told you how pretty you are?
The Apocalypsies—I couldn’t imagine sharing this publication adventure with a better group.
Andrew McMahon—for being an inspiration with his music and his leukemia survivorship and for permission to use his lyrics—as well as to Ellie Waite for doing all the permissions paperwork! For those who are interested in more information on Andrew’s story and his work promoting awareness about cancer in young adults, please look into his charity, the Dear Jack Foundation. (www.DearJackFoundation.com) The Mysza family. You are my superheroes. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of you, miss Morgan, and send you all love.
And, finally, for my family. To my parents and siblings for putting up with my endless princess and puppy stories as a child. To my Schmidtlets, who were nappers when I needed to revise and snugglers when I needed to pace and brainstorm. And St. Matt, thank you for being so … saintly and putting up with me through this whole crazy process. I love you.