Amazing critique partners are precious commodities. Thank you, Andrea Hannah, for juggling writing, teaching, and kids, and still having time to give me amazing notes. You’re a superstar!
Big thanks to the Studio City Fiction Writers Group people who gave me invaluable notes way back when this book was just a baby manuscript. Beth Shady, Amy Ball, Jim Sullivan, Eric Dzinski, Ari Jarvis, and Jess Place, you made me love Mondays. And an especially big thanks to Lindsay Champion for starting the group in the first place, and remaining an awesome critique partner after moving across the country!
I have some seriously amazing friends. Jessica Brody (my unofficial mentor), Jennifer Bosworth, and Gretchen McNeill, your sage advice has kept me sane. Thanks for holding my hand through this crazy journey. Kristen Keller, you’ve been my biggest cheerleader for twenty-plus years. You are the reason I discovered my love of YA. Here’s to many more years of book discussions! Sara Docksey, Kristen may have introduced me to YA, but you certainly helped fan the flame. And Elisha Gruer, who also happens to be the best casting partner in the world, your encouragement means the world to me.
I have to thank my family again. Mom and Dad, you don’t know how grateful I am that you always encouraged creativity. I wouldn’t be who I am without that. I love you guys. Billie, the best niece in the whole world, thanks for always keeping my spirits up. I love you so much. You’re not allowed to read this book for a few more years, though. Seriously. Why are you still reading this? And to Audrey Jilka and Craig Rosenbaum: Thank you for blessing me with creative genes.
And finally, a special, huge thank you to Michael Levy. Without an oversharing (sometimes past the point of awkward) brother like you, I would never have been able to write like a dude. Love you!