The Joy of Killing (28 page)

Thus, I am indebted to Tom Pace for the inspiration and the Mulicas and Blues for providing the ideal settings for writing. And thanks to Art Voss, who reminded me of several of my old college Zippo moves, and who pointed out several serious flaws in an early manuscript. Thanks to Scott and friends at the Mayfair Starbucks in Denver, who looked after me during the many hours of writing and rewriting in the place.

Julya's contribution is beyond measure. Her intuitive sense for tone, character development, conversation, and pacing were critical. She slashed excess verbiage with a fine scalpel and rearranged sentences and paragraphs brilliantly. Her patience in the face of my stubbornness was even more remarkable. It made me love her even more.

Agent Paul Bresnick, with his usual skill and commitment, found the right home for the book. I've worked with many editors in my
day, but Dan Smetanka, who bought this book for Counterpoint, is far and away the most talented and committed. He had ways of selling proposed changes and new twists to me that made eminent sense. By the end of the editing, I had come to trust his judgment so thoroughly that if there was any doubt on a proposed edit it was resolved his way. In fact, the entire experience with the people at Counterpoint, including publicist Claire Shalinsky and Kelly Winton, has been remarkable. I've been treated there the way an author always hopes to be treated: with respect and courtesy and skilled professionalism.

Present as always, through every step in the creation, was the spirit of my brother, Mike, who so ardently supported my earlier books. How I would love to hear his thoughts on this one.