Speed of Light
Page 36
Marty and Tom Davis of Crown Hill Cemetery and Crown Hill Heritage Foundation proved invaluable. Their knowledge and willingness to answer my many questions about the cemetery are much appreciated. If you are in Indianapolis be sure to stop by and take part in one of the many events and public tours. Crown Hill is truly one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the country. Visit CrownHill.org for information.
This isn’t a world in which projects can keep moving at the right speed without technology, so special thanks must go out to Gail LaForest and Bruce Alexander for keeping my tech happy.
To my beta readers, who fielded “what do you think about’s” and helped work out plot points and other questions—thank you, especially to Trudi Trueit, Jen Greyson, Lisa Bjork, and Sarah Diers.
I have to give special thanks to my fans—many of whom share with me music recommendations for my writing sound tracks. I’ve found perfect songs because of you. Thank you for reading, for sharing, and for spreading the word. I couldn’t do this without your support!
Picking Meridian’s favorite grape soda was no easy feat, and I must acknowledge my panel of experts: the LaMars, the Wicks, Steve and Laura Cooper, Rachel Kizer.
Michael of Historic Indiana Ghost Tours at UnseenPress.com provided a fantastic tour of Westfield, Indiana, with tidbits that proved inspirational for this book. I give a hearty recommendation for a tour if you’re in Indiana. Many thanks as well to Amy Kraft and Tiffany Obrecht for joining me in this ghostly research trip.
I adore the Indianapolis 500. It’s a family tradition that goes back generations. Many thanks to Kate, Mark, and Tim LaMar for joining me at Qualifying/Pole Day. Sarah Lamar continues to be a much-loved contributor to my career—love you, girl!
Memorial Day is only one day, but the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform are made 365/24/7. They serve our nation while I exercise my freedom of speech—you make my life possible and I am forever grateful. A special acknowledgment must be given to the children of those who’ve died, especially Pilot Bryan Nichols’s son and the thirty-two children left behind when the helicopter went down in Afghanistan. Know that your parents are as proud of you as we are of them. I will never forget.
Barney and Beth Wick were wonderful hosts for my May research trip. They were patient and loving with my odd requests, the window-ruining plot board, and my hail damage panic. This book’s authenticity was possible because of you.
Finally, to my mother, who passed down our family’s traditions as both Indy 500 race spectators and Memorial Day grave tenders. Cemeteries will forever be places where I hear stories in the silence because our family doesn’t fear death. I am grateful for that lesson and so many others. Mom, I thank you for your unyielding love and support, and for having a new favorite book every time I ask.
FIND OUT HOW IT ALL BEGAN
WITH MERIDIAN!
CONTINUE WITH WILDCAT FIREFLIES,
THE SECOND MERIDIAN NOVEL.
Amber Kizer believes in living every day as if it’s her last. She eats dessert first, buys flowers for no reason, and says I love you (1-4-3) loudly and often. Her health challenges have taught her to take nothing for granted and to live in the moment. Amber’s passions include baking, quilting, gardening, music, reading, playing Wii, and scented candles—and she feels no shame in admitting that she enjoys reality TV. Insatiable curiosity and intense motivation keep her on her toes, as does a true love of story. With an ever-changing eclectic mix of two- and four-legged family and friends, Amber lives north of Seattle on an island. Her books have been translated into several languages and have won acclaim for their complexity and authenticity. She loves to hear from readers and can be found at AmberKizer.com, MeridianSozu.com, and OneButtCheek.com.