Blood and Salt

by Kim Liggett

  And there I was, once again, at the edge of a precipice. I knew what I wanted. I knew what I had to do.

  I simply let go and let myself fall.

  Master Set - 1st Pass

  Master Set - 1st Pass

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  THIS STORY has been with me for a very long time. It brought me the most unexpected career and a slew of people that I love.

  My editor, Arianne Lewin—I keep going back to our first e-mail correspondence. I said something idiotic, like I was looking forward to getting my ass kicked. To which you replied, “One day you will laugh at the idea of wanting your ass kicked.”

  Still. Not. Laughing.

  There were tears, and there may or may not have been a corn-husk doll involved at one point, but I’m a stronger person because of you. I’m a better writer because of you. I’m forever grateful you cared enough about my book to give me the “what for.”

  My assistant editor, Katherine Perkins—thank you for all the time and care you put into Blood and Salt. And for agreeing to meet me for chocolates whenever I felt weary.

  Thank you to everyone at Putnam who helped bring this book to life—my fabulous cover designer, Kristin Logsdon; interior designer, Annie Ericsson; and copy editor, Anne Heausler.

  My agent, Josh Adams—thanks for believing in me—fighting for me. Much love to you and Tracey and my entire Adam’s Lit family.

  Lorin Oberweger—my mentor and friend, thank you for challenging me in the gentlest way and never letting me censor my writing.

  Gina Carey—my muse. You are that wayward ray of sunshine.

  Bess Cozby—thank you for being such a wonderful friend and for putting up with my heathen ways.

  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.

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