Katherine, you’re also mentioned in the dedication, but you’re such an amazing friend and I love speaking to you whether it’s about politics or writing or our fur babies, and I’m so glad I met such a wonderful person like you. You add so much to my life.

The same goes for Erika, or as I know her, Xenoclea, from Wattpad. She’s White Stag’s first major fan and has been waving the encouragement flag for me ever since. The fact that you’re willing to talk to me for two hours in the middle of the night about Permafrost is not something I haven’t noticed. I’m very lucky to have your friendship.

Of course there are also many other users on Wattpad who I have to thank. Just to name a few: Saintc, Mal, Absentminded_Artist, Kyle, DracoNako, CholorplasticCandence, FantasybkLover, Delia, Elle, astrophile, and many other members too numerous to name. Your love and support and enthusiasm for my writing is why I’m where I am, and I hope Goblin King impresses you the same way White Stag did.

Of course, I must thank my doctors and therapists for keeping me sane and healthy during hard times, especially during the pandemic. I’d also love to thank all my friends from Twitter who amuse me and make my life fuller every day and sometimes teach me things I had no idea about.

I can’t not thank my family for putting up with me while writing Goblin King. Thank you, Mom, for allowing me to take over your house for two months, and Elaina for understanding I was on a deadline and couldn’t do some of the things we wanted to do together. Thanks to Chris, my mom’s partner, for being chill with me working in the basement at two a.m. with the lights on while he tries to sleep in another room. Also for being an excellent cook.

Special shout-out to Lady, my kitty I adopted in September after my old kitty, Kanu, died. You’re such a sweet thing when you want to be and an absolute hellcat when not. I love your cuddles and kisses, and I’m glad you came into my life so soon after my old buddy left. You’re wonderful even if you bite all my toes.

And of course, the best for last, thank you all, readers and supporters of the Permafrost series. You guys are wonderful and make it possible for me to do what I do, and I can never express the amount of gratitude that I have for you all. I love reading your tweets and seeing your images and thoughts about the book whether positive or negative and finding a community of fellow trauma survivors doing what it takes every day to get out of bed. You all are champions.

Also by Kara Barbieri

Also by Kara Barbieri

White Stag

About the Author