As I grew older I began to understand that healthy relationships and physical experiences happen in their own time. Like Maggie, I learned that just because other girls had more physical experience with boys didn’t mean I was somehow lacking. I learned I needed to understand who I was as a person, and be myself, before I could be in a relationship with someone else. It was then that I started meeting nice guys who were respectful and funny. If you worry that you won’t meet the right person, be kind to yourself and be patient, and everything will be fine.
I love swimming. As a kid, I spent countless hours at the city pool and lake. I know quite a bit about swimming, but not nearly enough to write Maggie and Levi’s story! I had a lot of help. A huge thanks to Evan Stiles and the Arlington Aquatic Club in Arlington, Virginia, for letting me watch your practices and answering a billion questions. I’m grateful for the information online at SwimSwam and USA Swimming. To my first readers, thank you for all your great feedback: Willa Smith, Christy Maier, Andrea Soule, Trish Doller, Ginger Phillips, Rehka Radhakrishnan, and Jen Fisher. Thanks to my editor, Annette Pollert-Morgan, and everyone at Sourcebooks. Thank you to my husband, Don, for his unwavering support. Finally, I’m so appreciative of my readers. I love receiving your emails, tweets, and messages on Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads. You are the best.
About the Author
Miranda Kenneally grew up in Manchester, Tennessee, a quaint little town where nothing cool ever happened until after she left. Now, Manchester is the home of Bonnaroo. Growing up, Miranda wanted to become an author, a major league baseball player, a country music singer, or an interpreter for the United Nations. Instead, she became an author who also works for the US Department of State in Washington, DC, and once acted as George W. Bush’s armrest during a meeting. She enjoys reading and writing young adult literature and loves Star Trek, music, sports, Mexican food, Twitter, and coffee. She lives in Arlington, Virginia, with her husband, Don, and cat, Brady. Visit www.mirandakenneally.com.