Tremendous gratitude goes to my fierce agent, Leigh Feldman, and her assistant, Ilana Masad, who took a chance on me. Unlike the characters in my book, I have no problem feeling indebted to you both. Many thanks to the incredible team at Putnam—my editor, Stacey Barney, assistant editor, Kate Meltzer, and copy editor, Chandra Wohleber—for helping me carve, whittle, and polish my manuscript into the story you’ve just read.
Before I had the good fortune to work with these amazing people, I’ve had some other amazing people who helped me get here:
Momma, who bought me a Smith Corona typewriter when I was a little girl and listened to every terrible story I banged out on it. I know a mother is supposed to love everything her child creates, and you are no exception, yet you still offered constructive criticism that helped redirect me. Because of you, I will always strive to “grasp the subject so the words will follow.”
Sam, the son who set me straight many years ago at the dinner table and told me to spice things up. Thanks for kicking me out of my comfort zone and keeping me company there.
Jared, the son who routinely saved me with his vast know-ledge of sports history. Thanks for offering words of encouragement when I needed them most, even if I couldn’t hear you at the time.
To both of my incredible boys, thank you for indulging my countless text messages that yielded the most accurate representations of young adult minds (and plenty of “uh, people don’t say that anymore”).
I am beyond grateful to Donna Liberman, the greatest friend, sharpest critique partner, and brightest spot in my universe. There are friends, and then there are friends like us.
Much gratitude to all of the professionals who shared their wisdom and expertise: Dr. Marlene Steinberg, Dr. Kenny Herskowitz, Attorney Eric Sulzberger, Private Investigator Wendy Stanford-Perez, Private Investigator Jim Blackburn, Principal Thelma Fornell, Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Inspector Kate Turner, and Licensed Mental Health Counselor (and best friend!) Sofi Haya Matz. To the many friends, near and far, whose answers to even the tiniest questions helped me push through some tricky parts. And thanks to my dear friend Sara Schermer, who read the very first draft and loved me enough to be brutally honest about it.
I’m also grateful to many friends in the South Florida writing community, who over the years have taught me, challenged me, and listened to some of my worst stuff—most notably special members of the SCBWI Aventura critique group: Dr. Stacy Davids, Norma Davids, Angela Padron, Steven Dos Santos, and Marjetta Geerling, my first true mentor.
Extra thanks to writer friends Debbie Reed Fischer, Ricki Schultz, and Karen Kendall, who often advised me about the crazy world of publishing. Shout out to YARWA, my virtual writing family that offers all of its members a constant stream of support, and fellow 2017 Debut Authors who helped me navigate these choppy, yet wonderful waters.
Lastly, without Shep, none of this would mean anything. Thank you for giving me a life I had only dreamed of—one filled with passion, laughter, and adventure. I’ve loved you for a thousand years, and I’ll love you for a thousand more.
What’s next on
your reading list?
Discover your next
great read!
* * *
Get personalized book picks and up-to-date news about this author.
Sign up now.
Rosie Girl Page 30