Slowly, the picture reveals itself. Taylor, with ash mixed into the dampness on her cheeks. Willa, with gray dust trapped in the spiral of a curl. Finley all over them. Both their faces show smiles and tears. Opposite emotions sharing the same space.

And Willa understands.

1. Start here.

2. Music is good for the soul, but sometimes you have to make the playlist as you go.

3. Make time for wonder. (Just don’t charge it to your mom’s credit card.)

4. Time travel whenever possible. Don’t leave your friends behind (even for a cute boy).

5. Don’t lose your head. Be flexible with the plans.

6. Take a bite out of life, especially if it means kissing a pretty girl.

7. Make your own luck. Don’t gamble with your future, even if it seems like a sure thing.

8. Give a “ship.” Leave room for the unexpected.

9. Get a little wild. and believe in fate.

10. Believe the unbelievable. Believe in yourself.

11. Stay young. Stay strong.

12. Reach for the stars. Trust your instincts (but always keep a towrope handy).

13. It’s not the destination . . . (You know the rest.) Don’t scatter your dead best friend’s ashes into the wind. (Seriously. Don’t.)

14. Start here.

Acknowledgments

Frank Turner wrote a song called “Long Live the Queen” that made me cry. If neither of those things had happened, this book would probably not exist. Thank you, Frank, for all the songs, but especially that one.

Katie Smith and Jessie Zevalkink spent two years aboard a twenty-seven-foot sailboat, traveling America’s Great Loop. Their adventures and most especially their friendship were a huge inspiration.

It might be strange to thank a city for existing, but Sandusky was my childhood. It was where I was married and where we raised our children. Some of the stories and memories in this book are my stories and my memories—and no matter where I live, Sandusky will always be the place I call home.

While I was working on this book, Mary Singler rolled up her sleeves and punched cancer in the face, proving (once again) that my mom is the strongest, bravest, and most resilient woman I know. I love you, do you love me?

Life tested my family a lot—too much, really—in 2018, and I owe a debt of gratitude to my agent, Kate Testerman, and my editor, Jennifer Ung, for their patience and kindness when I needed it most.

Suzanne Young always rates her own line in my acknowledgments because she deserves it. Not a day goes by that she’s not there for me. Thanks for countless “Does this make sense?” reads, talking me down from ledges, and just being my friend. You’re the best, Suz.

Endless thanks to Cristin Bishara, Kathy Boyd, Huntley Fitzpatrick, Annie Gaughen, Miranda Kenneally, Wendy Mills, and Veronica Rossi for reading, listening, brainstorming, and being outstanding human beings. I’m so lucky to have you in my life.