And then, of course, there are the incredible authors I’ve met throughout the journey, those who have reached out to me, offered mentoring and guidance, an ear to listen and all the emotional support an author needs and, on top of it all, have helped generously promote each other’s work as if it is their own. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I’m so honored to be a part of this amazing writing community.
Although I wrote my first novel in private, it was wonderful being able to share Pretty Baby with family and friends throughout the process. While writing this novel, I was also busy promoting my first, and so a huge thank-you to family and friends who helped hold my life together for me this past year or so: my parents, Lee and Ellen Kubica, and my sisters, Michelle Shemanek and Sara Kahlenberg, and their families; the entire Kubica and Kyrychenko families; my dear friends, who I won’t name individually for fear of leaving someone out, but I hope you know who you are (special shout-out to Beth Schillen—you are awesome)! I’ve been humbled by the way each and every one of you has shared in all the excitement of book publication, whether helping promote my books, spreading the word to family and friends, inviting me to speak at your book clubs, watching my children so I could attend out-of-state conferences and book tours, or just reading my books and asking the best questions about the writing process. I wrote The Good Girl in secret, but with Pretty Baby I had a cheering squad! I can never thank you enough.
And lastly, for my husband, Pete, and my children—thank you for the patience, the support, the encouragement. I couldn’t have done it without you!
I love you all like x’s love o’s.