The Castaways
Page 26
“Definitely.”
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Acknowledgments
Publishing a book, I’ve found, is so much more than getting words on the page. Writing the story? That’s the easy part. But editing, preparing, re-editing, copy editing, cover designing, marketing, formatting, final editing… A lot of really amazing people with exceptional skills and talents made this book you hold in your hands possible. First and foremost, I have to thank my editor, Theresa Cole, who has been a champion of my work, a thoughtfully brilliant editor, and such a presence of support. Also, much thanks and appreciation goes to the team at Entangled Publishing and Entangled TEEN: Liz Pelletier, Stacy C. Abrams, Melissa Montovani, Crystal Havens, and Anita Orr. A huge thank you to the copy editors and proofreaders who, honestly, had their work cut out for them, as well as to the amazingly talented Erin Dameron-Hill, whose gorgeous cover design literally took my breath away.
Huge piles of hugs and kisses and chocolate to the writing community. I’m not sure where I’d be in this journey without the continued support of my writing/critique/beta groups. Special thanks to my doppelganger and writing BFF, Jeannette Smejkal, for always being there no matter what. Whether I’ve been in need of a pep-talk, a series of goofy .gifs, or to bounce ideas off of, you’re my ‘right hand man’ and I love you for it. To Fiona McLaren who never hesitates to drop what she’s doing to fit in a quick read and give me the most excellent feedback. And to the MG Readers who are ever a wealth of insight and inspiration. Special thanks to the friends and family who took the time to read The Castaways and gifted me with valuable feedback. Also to everyone who continues to offer me unconditional support and encouragement for this writing dream of mine. Extra special thanks goes to my soul sisters Megan Cordaro (My very first critique partner and cheerleader), Dani Bird (My college roomy and go-to public speaking pep-talker), and Sarah Stith (My go-to encourager) who are always up for a story of mine. You gals are the bee’s knees!
There would be no book without a story and no story without a cast of characters who, beyond all logic, chose me to tell their tale. Special thanks to this beautiful and confusing universe, to creative freedom, and to all the strangely wonderful ways inspiration and muses present themselves.
Another thank you goes out to the tireless efforts of organizations like Kind Campaign and Stomp Out Bullying, among others, who continue to educate and advocate and speak out against bullying in all forms.
Mountains of love and respect to my parents, Joan Martin and Robert Fleck, who raised me to express myself, embrace individuality, to love big, and to always follow my heart and my greatest passions. (A special note to Mom: You’ve shown me how a strong, brave woman is also a compassionate and generous and kind woman. You’ve taught me how to embrace change and challenges with an open heart and mind and even more determination. I love you big as the sky.)
Finally, to my daughters, A.E.S and S.R.S, thank you for inspiring me to start writing when I needed art back in my life. You two are endless sources of smiles and moments and adventures and you make me a better version of myself. You’ll always be my proudest, greatest creation. I love you to the moon and back.
Last but certainly not least to my husband, Wade. You have been my biggest supporter, greatest love, and best friend. You are the most loving father to our children and the best partner in crime a girl could ask for. I love sharing this crazy adventure with you. I wouldn’t choose any other way. To quote Eliza Hamilton from Hamilton on Broadway, “Look around, look around at how lucky we are to be alive right now.”
About the Author
Jessika Fleck is a writer, unapologetic coffee drinker, and knitter—she sincerely hopes to one day discover a way to do all three at once. She loves writing novels for young adults and her work verges on fantastical and dark with a touch of realism. She currently calls rural Illinois home where she lives with her sociology professor husband and two daughters and is learning to appreciate the beauty in cornfields and terrifyingly large cicadas.
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