The Secret War (Jack Blank Adventure) (40 page)

My agent, Chris Richman, whose sage advice on writing and the business of writing has never steered me wrong. Thank you and the entire Upstart Crow team for your tireless efforts on my behalf.

My editor, Liesa Abrams, who sees the Imagine Nation as clearly as, if not more clearly than, I do. Your careful guidance and keen insights helped me grab a tiger by the tail and shape this story into the one I was trying to tell. On top of that, you are just an awesome person to work with. I am lucky to have you and everyone at Aladdin on my team.

Chris McCarthy and Carlo DiMarco at MTV, whose flexibility and understanding with my schedule made it possible for me to get this book written in the first place. I want to thank you and the whole mtvU crew for your support and friendship over the years. I am really going to miss seeing you guys every day.

My wife, Rebecca, whom I love like crazy. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I may be a guy who always has one foot in the Imagine Nation, but you make sure I always have one foot in the Real World, too. I don’t know where I’d be without you.

My son, Jack, who has changed my life in every way possible, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. You never fail to bring a smile to my face, and your mom and I love you very much.

And finally, I have to thank you—the readers. Thanks to everyone who picked up a copy of the first book, and maybe even liked it enough to come back for more with this book. I hope you enjoyed Jack’s latest round of adventures. I am going to do my best to keep you all entertained for as long as I can. Thanks again, and I’ll see you back here next year for the third book.