It’s no exaggeration when I say that writing this book was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I owe heartfelt thanks to a lot of people for getting Dead Girls Society into the shape it’s in today, and for getting me through the process with some hair still left on my head (albeit graying).
Firstly, a million unending thank-yous to my editor, Wendy Loggia, for her tireless dedication to making this book better, and for pushing me to do my best (and accepting nothing less!). Thank you for believing in me. Also, thank you to everyone at Delacorte Press and Random House Children’s Books for always working so hard to get my books into readers’ hands. There is no better team, and I’m grateful every day I get to work with people like you.
My agent, Adriann Ranta, thank you for (metaphorically) holding my hair back while I puked, for slapping some sense into me when I was getting a little crazy, and for sending me that cheesy monkey meme when I needed cheering up. Your unflagging support and encouragement have made all the difference to this insecure writer.
Brandy Fummerton, twin sister, cheerleader, person I know I can always force to help me fix a plot hole—thank you for reading this book too many times to count, and then asking to read it one more time because you were excited to see the changes.
Ruth Lauren Steven—thank you for somehow managing to appear eager and excited each time I sent yet another draft of this book. I wouldn’t have been able to get through this year without you. I’m better because you’re in my life. Now let’s go on that holiday.
Natalie C. Parker, I owe you my eternal gratitude for critiquing this book (twice!) and for essentially fixing everything. Why you’re not a fancy New York editor I’ll never know, but I’m happy you’re my friend.
Amy Tintera, thank you for reading this book in its earliest draft and still wanting to be my friend. (Also, thank you for being my permanent hotel roomie. That goes to you too, Julie Murphy—you and your giant suitcase game!)
Tessa Gratton, thank you for asking about this book that afternoon in that bar (don’t judge) and for seeming so genuinely excited about a possible plot twist that I had the courage to scrap half a novel and start over again to make it work.
Valerie Tejeda, champion, fellow witch enthusiast, soul sister, thank you for being the person I can text at three a.m. about…well, anything. I’m so glad we found each other. And yes, we will actually meet one day. And Brent McCluskey, thank you for taking the time to help me really understand one of the most fundamental aspects of the book. DGS is richer because you shared your story.
All the incredible ladies of Gunning for Awesome—you know who you are—thank you for being the People Who Understand. Deborrah Hewitt, thank you for enthusiastically brainstorming book endings with me even though you were kind of busy painting your entire house and working full-time. You’re the best.
Barb Hemsworth, thank you for once again lending me your insanely creative, brilliant mind. I’m forever grateful for your friendship. And I will write that freaky doll book. I will!
Logan, Logan, Logan. Where do I even begin? Thank you for getting me through this crazy year, and for reminding me that there is life outside publishing, and it’s a great one. I’m so lucky to have you in my corner.
Benjamin, Minchmus, Minjey, Moose!—thank you for making me smile every day, just by being you. I love you to the mooooon! (And unnamed little bean, thank you for being my constant companion while revising this novel. You’re not here yet, but I love you too.)
Crystal Couture, Shawn Bradshaw, Trenton Couture-Bradshaw, Phylis Kaukanen, Diane Krys, Leslie Krys, Meghan Krys, Veronica Fummerton, Scarlett and Presley Allard, and the entire Couture and Krys families and extended families, thank you for your unceasing love and support (and for the child care when I was on a tight deadline!). I’ll see you at the next family bowling night and I’ll be bringing my A game, so you better watch out.
All of the staff in the NICU at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Center—thanks for your enthusiasm all these years and for making me feel Thunder Bay Famous. Shannon Mancuso and Melissa Angove, thanks for still liking me even though I spent the whole year glued to my phone. Yes, we can talk about something else now. (Did I mention I’m writing a new book?!)
Amanda Pedulla and the staff at the Chapters in Thunder Bay, thank you for championing my books, hosting events, and generally being tireless supporters of this local author.
And the readers: you’re the reason I do this. Your enthusiasm and support mean the world to me. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Finally, Dad, thank you for showing me what it means to be brave. This one’s for you.