When crafting my two main characters, I first created two distinct personalities, then topped up those personalities with my deepest vulnerabilities. Unlike Darcy, I was never a blond, California high school student with a penchant for horror movies, a relationship-advice business, and a love of chart-topping music. But I was the sort of kid who latched on to something I was interested in and educated myself on it for hours a day until I knew the topic inside and out and could write at a professional level on it. And, just like Darcy, I discovered that it’s one thing to have knowledge and another thing to successfully apply that knowledge to navigating your own life. The timeless tale of the high achiever who initially stumbles when the theoretical becomes the practical, am I right?

Unlike Brougham, I am not particularly athletic, and if anything, my emotions show on my face too easily. But, like Brougham—I’m from South Australia! (I’m kidding, that’s not the point I was about to make here … but in all seriousness, having the opportunity to share snippets of Australian—and specifically South Australian—culture with international readers was hands down one of the most special things ever for me.) I was going to say, like Brougham, I have an anxious attachment style. It took me until adulthood to understand what it means to be anxiously attached, but having this knowledge changed everything. Suddenly, I understood some of my most painful, confusing experiences in a different light. Creating Brougham, a character who has flaws, but whose need for security and stability isn’t viewed as one of them? Allowing him to be understood, and supported, and allowed to relax enough to give the best of himself without fear of rejection? Writing this was, frankly, a powerful healing experience for me.

My hope is that this story reaches someone who needs it. Who sees themself in these characters and what they face. Who maybe comes away with a new spark of understanding about themself, and why they feel the way they do.

To Moe Ferrara and the team at Bookends, thank you for your support and passion in championing my work.

Thank you to Sylvan Creekmore, who continues to be the absolute best. Thank you so much for your editing wisdom, for putting up with my early-draft nonsense, and for helping me chip away at what I wrote to get to what I meant. I’m so very lucky to have you!

Thank you so much to the team at Wednesday Books, for your continued passion, experience, support, and love. I’m so blessed to have a team so committed and talented. Special thanks to Rivka Holler, DJ DeSmyter, Dana Aprigliano, Jessica Preeg, Sarah Schoof, Sara Goodman, Eileen Rothschild, and NaNá V. Stoelzle!

Thank you to Jonathan Bush, my cover designer and illustrator, for giving me this coral dream!