by Laura Sibson
Deep gratitude to the sensitivity readers who helped me with the sexuality and racial aspects of the book. Linda Washington identified for me ways that I could improve Rhia’s character and Edie’s relationship to Rhia. Dr. Jeanne Stanley provided feedback related to Edie’s emerging sense of being queer and her budding relationship with Rhia. Rosie Asmar helped me with a later version of the story, highlighting areas related to Rhia, as well as Edie’s relationship to her. Any errors are mine alone. Also, thank you to Cordelia Jensen for always talking through my stories with me and for reading when I needed new eyes on the manuscript. And thank you to Laurie Morrison for cheering me through deadlines.
Thanks also to Margaret Ennis, who shared the experience of losing her husband when their daughter was a teen. She inspired a tender moment between Maura and her mother. And to Rosella Hughes, whose gift of a handblown glass ball inspired the witch ball in the story.
One September day toward the end of the drafting process, my mother and I drove down to the Magothy River so that I could revive my sense of the place. While exploring a local marina, we met Sheryl and Dave Parks, who invited us for a boat ride. Afterward, I mentioned how amazing it was that they would take us—strangers—onto their boat. Dave replied that there are no strangers on the water. Their easy friendliness inspired the sense that there are no strangers in Cedar Branch.
Sincere appreciation to my editor, Maggie Rosenthal, for editorial wizardry. Even when I was unsure that I could achieve what I’d hoped, your belief in me never wavered. Thanks especially for the note suggesting that I lean into the magical underpinnings of the story. What fun we’ve had! The ten-layer rainbow cake is for you.
The interior and exterior of the book are completely enchanting, thanks to the work of many magical people. Jessica Jenkins’s cover design and Lisa Sterle’s artwork perfectly capture the sense of witchy mystery that I wanted for this book. Opal Roengchai created an equally enchanting title page and brought a gentle sense of whimsy throughout the interior.
I marvel at the coven of copy editors who improved my prose: Maddie Newquist, Abigail Powers, Michelle Millet, and Marinda Valenti. Also, thanks to managing editor Mia Alberro, whose sorcery somehow keeps track of us all and keeps us all on track. Thanks also to my favorite book shouter, Tessa Meischeid. I’m so lucky to have you on the team again.
Deep appreciation to my very witchy agent, Brianne Johnson, for cackling with me when I needed a laugh and for listening when things were challenging.
Thanks as well to Rosemary Gladstar for her book Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide, which shaped the ways that GG uses plants and herbs for healing. And to Coven’s Cottage in Salem, Massachusetts. The witchy interior of that shop inspired the inside of GG’s houseboat.
And of course to my husband, Tom, and my two grown children—for always supporting my writing and for ordering lots of take-out when I was on deadline. A special thanks to Zach for answering my running-related questions.
And finally, you, the reader. This book is for you. Thank you for picking it up and for joining Edie on her journey. I hope you’ve found your own magic along the way.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Laura Sibson worked for years as a career counselor for undergraduates before getting her MFA from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. When she's not writing, counseling, or drinking impossibly strong coffee, you can find her running miles around her home in Philadelphia, walking her dog, or ingesting pop culture (along with great takeout) with her family.
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