Sometimes when I pass by a bookshelf, I catch myself imagining what trials each author went through to see their books become a reality. And I know there were trials. Both successes and setbacks inevitably pepper the path of anyone who strives toward any worthy goal. Immediately after one deeply discouraging moment on my journey with this book, I got a knock on my car window. When I looked up, I found my good friend Gina Possanza peering in at me. She had pages in her hand—pages of this book, which she had read and loved. Gina, after banishing my despair, you told me to keep going. Thank you. I am so very glad I did.

I am fortunate in so many ways and one of my truest blessings in life has come in the form of my exceptional critique group. Together, its members comprise a powerhouse of knowledge, expertise, creativity, ingenuity, passion, and heart. A tremendous thank-you goes to Kurt Hampe, Bill Wolfe, Colette Ballard, Bethany Griffin, and again to Katie McGarry. While reading through the various drafts of this book, I would always smile at all the moments each of you helped me to include and refine. Thank you all for cheering me on through this project, for encouraging me, for believing in me, and for continuing to sharpen me into a better writer.

While writing this book, I have also received support and encouragement from many incredible friends. Thank you, April Cannon, for reading every single version of this book and for offering such wonderful input. I appreciate your friendship, your advice, and your willingness to read, reread, and read yet again, more than you will ever know. Thank you as well to my good buddy and sounding board, Nick Passafiume, who also read multiple drafts and who lent an ear to long rants about plotting. I’m so glad we get to sit at the Slytherin table together.

Thanks also go to Marcus Wynn for checking in on me, for believing in me, and for being a constant and enduring source of the best kind of inspiration. Just about every word you say is gold, my friend. Oh, and judo chop.

During the last rounds of this book, I struggled to come up with a particular line of dialogue, which required a touch of brilliance. Good thing I happened to meet up with the ingenious Lindsey Carter Palgy, who solved the issue right quick due to being a comedic mastermind. Thanks, Lindsey. It was the perfect one-liner.

Thank you also to Megan McIntosh, who kept telling me to chase this story, inspiring me all the way by chasing her own stories. Your tenacity rubbed off on me!

A huge thank-you goes as well to my friend Andrew Buchanan, a gifted musician. The first time we met, you were dressed as one of my characters. From that moment forward, you have continued to shower my creative endeavors with galvanizing exuberance and enthusiasm. Thank you for singing about it, dancing about it, and for literally cheering me on. Also, for lending your musical knowledge and for sharing your expertise regarding the piano.