A Farewell to Charms (23 page)

T
hank you to the following people for being a part of the creation of this book, and part of this whole wacky series. On paper, they’re just names, but in life, they are essential to this process and to keeping my brain working.

My agent: Sarah Davies, who is a mentor and a friend. Wow, my little unfinished WIP is now a series. How did that happen? Oh, that’s right. I met you.

My editor: Catherine Onder, who is professional and warm, smart and savvy. Your suggestions on this book took things in the directions they were always supposed to go. Thanks for being my guide through Desi’s world.

My publisher: Hayley Wagreich, Stephanie Lurie, Hallie Patterson, Dina Sherman, Sara Ortiz, Nellie Kurtzman, Andrew Sansone, Ann Dye, Whitney Manger, Marci Senders, Joann Hill, Marybeth Tregarthen, David Jaffe, Sharon Krinsky, and Emily Schultz. I’ve harbored a lifelong love of all things Disney, and y’all have turned that love to near obsession. Thanks for adding so much sparkle to this series.

My daughters: Rylee, Talin, and Logan. Do you know why I wanted to become a writer? Because when Rylee was a baby, I held her in my arms and thought, I want to teach my daughters to go after their dreams. And so, to show you that, I finally went after my writing dream, and it actually came true. But really? My biggest dream fullfilled is each of you. I’m so lucky to be your mom.

My husband: Curry. I love that even though we have such different interests and occupations, we still have a shared love of life. I love when you get defensive about reviews, even though they’re totally right, that character was two-dimensional. I love when you give me the standard speech: “Yes, you’re going to finish this book. No, I’m sure it’s not that bad. Of course you know what you’re doing. Fine, I’ll get you a Slurpee.”

Mostly, I love you.

My parents: Carol and Eric Taylor. Mom, you’re crazy, but I love your crazy. And Dad, next book, we’re going epic. Like, Middle Earth EPIC. Start inventing a new Elvish language—I’ll definitely have some questions. Thank you both for always having the answers.

My child care: Sinclair Johnson. Thanks for the babysitting, wherein no babies were actually sat upon. At least not by you.

Morgan and Kaylee Taylor, Rachel and Spencer Orr, Jan and Berne Leavitt. Since cloning authors is not yet legal, you are the next best thing. You love my kids, and I love you for all of your help. And you love me and they love you and…Okay, this is starting to sound like a Barney song.

My writing friends: Holly Westland. Girl, you’re good. Thanks for reminding me who Desi is and what she needed to do.

Lisa Schroeder, Rachel Hawkins, Becca Fitzpatrick, and Emily Wing Smith. Sweet snow bunnies, you showed me the light through the darkest plotting moments. Shelli Johannes-Wells, thanks for the bed(s) and the laughs. Irene Latham, your Southern hospitality is unparalleled. And L. K. Madigan, who is no longer with us in body, but always is in spirit, always through her words. I miss you, Lees. Triple L’s forever and ever.

My book peeps: thank you especially to Crystal Perkins, a tireless book advocate and dear friend. The staff at The King’s English, my local independent bookstore that just happens to be six hours away. Uncle Kyle, for being TKE’s very best customer; Uncle Ed, for the Houston support; and my brother Brett, for making that whole standing-in-front-of-an-entire-junior-high nightmare come true, but in a good way. And thank you to the many schools, book clubs, bloggers, and libraries who have championed Desi’s story. One of the best things about writing these books is that it gave me the chance to meet you.

My beverage of choice: Diet Pepsi; you’re a sweet seductress. Someday I’ll quit you. But not until I turn in that next book.…

My readers: the fact that you even exist is still a marvel to me. Thank you for your time and support, but most of all, for opening your imagination to this world. These books are done, but the story never ends.

Cue music to
The Never Ending Story
.

Cue readers to watch the 1984 classic
The NeverEnding Story
so you’ll have an idea what I’m talking about. I think it’s on sale at Target right now.