9. Julia Maguire and the rest of the team at Knopf Books for Young Readers, whose nurturing helped make Annie’s story so much more than even I realized it could be. Julia’s guidance helped a character, a town, and a writer grow.
10. Emma Smith, whose friendship I treasured long before our love of children’s books (and shared writing dreams) cemented it all the more. And “critique group” seems such an inadequate term to describe Emma, Ariel Bernstein, Ali Bovis, and Katey Howes, whose brilliant insights, creative story solutions, shared writing tribulations, and panda jokes are daily gifts in my email in-box.
11. Rebecca Crane, whose beautiful illustrations capture exactly how Annie looks when I close my eyes and imagine her. I am in awe of her talent.
12. Lucy Louise and Alice Josephine Mahoney, for the countless laughs, hugs, and inspiring revelations you bring me every day. What a wonder to watch you and your sisterhood grow. As I told you when you were babies, I waited my whole life for you (and it was worth it).
13. Whelan Mahoney, still the sunshine of my life. I thank you most.
KRISTIN MAHONEY
1. Grew up in a small North Carolina town that was a little like Clover Gap.
2. Lived in Brooklyn for seven years.
3. Still has a tiny dot on her left hand from a third-grade pencil mishap.
4. Is truly terrible at kickball.
5. Lives with her family in South Orange, New Jersey.
6. Is so excited about her first book!
7. Can be found online at kristinmahoneybooks.com or tweeting at @KMcMahoney.
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Annie's Life in Lists Page 16