Ain't Nobody Nobody
Page 24
Writing a book requires its own community, and I’m forever grateful to the members of mine. Thank you first to my agent, Josh Getzler at HSG Agency, the best advocate an author could have. You championed this book in a way I could only imagine. Your suggestions made me dig deeper, and your delight in this work continues to inspire me. Also, thanks to Jonathan Cobbe who is always quick with replies, worked weekends on this book, and did a thousand more things I’ll ever know.
Thank you to Jason Pinter of Polis Books, who celebrates his authors while being a brilliant one himself. May we all have the energy and enthusiasm that you possess. I’m grateful to be in your orbit.
Many thanks also to Stephanie and Stephen Chambers, Apryl Mathes and Adam Shulman for the anecdote about Thoreau, Jon and Linda Caswell, Bryan and Doneita Forrester, Bill and Carolyn Brister, Mimi Bark, Kristin Cicciarelli, Brandon Boger, Marissa Volsteyn, Dave McCaul, Rick Hynes, Justin Moore, Adam and Amanda Arista, Peter Larsen for the photos and gun knowledge, Tex Thompson, Sally Kemp, Bill Edwards, Mary Ellen Bluntzer, Leska Parker, Daniel Jacob, Jeannie Pierce, Shagit Thakkar, Frank Cohn, Linda Ball, Josh and Adria, Kate and Jamie, and Cathy and Jane.
Extra hugs go to Gina Best, a brilliant writer, editor, and friend, who went well beyond the call of duty for this book.
Many thank yous to my East Texas family for fielding numerous texts about wild hogs and loblolly pines. Thank you for cheering me on. (I feel you too, David, V.B., and Thelma Lea.)
Endless gratitude goes to Suzanne Frank, Dan Hale, and the Writer’s Path at SMU for structure, inspiration, long pep talks, and community.
My dad, a character so big he could never be captured in words.
My mother, who is equal parts hilarious and kind. No other mother would have researched guerrilla marijuana growing so tirelessly for her child. You know this book wouldn’t have happened without you.
My son Emerson, the silliest, smartest, funniest, fiercest storyteller you’ll ever meet. I’m sorry for all the cuss words.
My husband Bryan, for everything. He is not only a brilliant brainstormer, developmental editor, and proofreader, he is a kind, loving, and creative man who always tries. I am a better everything because of you.
Y’all have my heart.
About the Author
Born and raised in in the Piney Woods of East Texas, Heather Harper Ellett is a graduate of SMU and a therapist in private practice. She lives in Dallas with her husband and son. AIN’T NOBODY NOBODY is her debut novel. Follow her at @heatherellett.