Paranormalcy (22 page)

I
owe so many people for the realization of this lifelong dream. So if you'll indulge me? And if not, well, you can go read the kissing scenes again. That's probably what I'd do, too.

First and foremost thanks go to Noah, the love of my life and the best thing that ever happened to me. Thanks for encouraging me, even when I disappeared into Word documents for weeks on end, and for letting me talk and iron out plot points, even if you did suggest I kill Evie. And to my beautiful children, Elena and Jonah, who, while decidedly unhelpful, are absolutely delightful and fill my life with joy.

Next to my family, most especially my parents, Pat and Cindy, for never doubting I was brilliant even when I felt anything but. Thank you for buying me books and filling my childhood with stories and words. And to my siblings, Erin, Lindsey, Lauren, and Matt, for being readers but mostly for being my utterly ridiculous and hilarious best friends. My grandparents, Dee and Mary, for passing on the storyteller gene, and of course my in-laws, Kit and Jim, for allowing us desperately needed access to their washer and dryer (and for being unfailingly supportive).

I couldn't have come this far without the help of my critique partners and friends. Carrie “Zombie Queen” Harris, Renee Collins, and Kristen Record for their spot-on pacing advice, Ashley Juergens, Megan Holmes, Jane Volker, and Fara Sneddon for their enthusiasm. Fara and Kristen, thanks especially for the treats, babysitting, and listening to endless hours of “This will never happen.” A million thanks to Stephanie Perkins, who is the best and gentlest reader I've ever known, who taught me how “good” can
always
be “better,” and who laughs and cries with me over how bizarre life is. Finally, Natalie Whipple for being my first reader and ultimate cheerleader. I don't know where my self-esteem would be without you, and will forever owe you for gently steering me back in the right directions. Thank you
all
for being alternately frustrated, devastated, delighted, and elated right along with me.

Thanks to the wonderful online community of writers
and readers who humor the silliness on my blog and twitter—your enthusiasm, intelligence, and support are invaluable. I feel blessed to “know” all of you. Thank you to Pandora and the Hellogoodbye station, and to my dear, beloved Snow Patrol, for providing my lucky album.

Huge thanks to Erica Sussman, my genius editor, who loves Evie as much as I do and brought her to my dream house for publication. Thank you for taking her story and making it the best it could possibly be. You've made the entire process a delight and I'm so fortunate to work with you! Thanks as well the team at HarperTeen and Harper Children's, including marketing, foreign rights, publicity, editorial, and especially design. Alison Donalty and Torborg Davern, my cover is a work of art and I'm still in awe of it. All in all, I couldn't possibly have been better taken care of.

A whole paragraph to Michelle Wolfson, my agent. Thank you for picking me out of the slush, for sticking with me through the months, and for exceeding my wildest publishing dreams. You truly are Wonder Woman, and I'm so glad to have you on my side for this whole crazy journey.

Last of all to you, dear reader, for picking up my book. I hope you liked it, because I certainly like you. As Evie would say, you're all bleeping fantastic.

KIERSTEN WHITE
has one tall husband and two small children. She lives near the ocean in San Diego, where her days are perfectly normal. This abundance of normal led her to a fascination with all things paranormal, including but not limited to faeries, vampires, and pop culture.
PARANORMALCY
is her first novel. Visit her online and read her blog at www.kierstenwhite.com.

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