NICK—THE FACT THAT you read with such attention to detail and dedication means the world to me. I never expected someone to read all the books, so many times over, searching for every symbolism and hidden meaning. You push me to become a better author and force me to think through everything. You demand a higher quality from me, and I know my writing is better for working so closely with you.
Katie—I’m not afraid to say, “I need you.” Because it’s so true. I know I’ve said it before but I have to again, your excitement has been crucial for me in working through all the difficulties surrounding Air Awakens and continuing onward in the publication process. You’re such a fun person when reading, and you really help me strike a balance with my work that I can still enjoy it.
Jeffkun—my love, this book really would not have happened if it weren’t for you. All the times you dealt with my late night claims of being to bed “in five minutes.” And all of the times you didn’t get upset for me not cooking dinner when it was so definitely my turn or leaving the laundry out for way too long. All the times you cooked so I didn’t have to. Cleaned so I didn’t have to. Rubbed my shoulders when I’d spent too many hours hunched over a computer. It all enabled this to happen, and I’m so honored to be your wife.
Aunt Susan—thank you for your time reading my manuscripts! I really appreciate your feedback and it’s so helpful in getting me to relax and have faith in the final product.
My cover artist, Merilliza Chan—darling, what more can I possibly say? Three amazing covers. There’s no better gift you could give me than helping bringing to life Air Awakens in the covers you make. Thank you for all your hard work and for your feedback on my writing. I really love working with you.
My editor, Monica Wanat—I hope you still can enjoy editing Air Awakens, because there’s so much more left! I look forward to getting marked manuscripts back from you because the transformation process they go through is astounding. I deeply appreciate your professionalism and how I feel like you’re constantly pushing me to become a better author.
Rob and the Gatekeeper Press team—it’s not always perfect, but I think we’ve gotten this whole publishing groove down. Your dedication to me and my stories is astounding, above and beyond the call. I’m not always the easiest client to work with, but you never made me feel like I was more trouble than I was worth, and you always came through.
Michelle Madow, author of the Transcend Time Saga and the Elementals series—I can’t believe we’re already three books in! You’ve helped me so much along the way. From insights, to tweets, to mental support, you’re such an amazing mentor and I would’ve been struggling without you.
My sister, Meredith—I love how you’ve done everything from making spreadsheets to freaking out with me about people being interested in my books. You seem to know things before I tell you them because you’re paying such close attention. It’s such a big deal to me to have your support because I look up to you so greatly.
My parents, Madeline and Vince—I’m glad I can help fill your new home with books I wrote! Thank you, always, for all your support in me as a person and as an author. I love you both.
Jamie and Dani—I hope you can see in this final version all of the changes that you both directly impacted. I enjoy having you both as beta readers, and your insights have been essential to my shaping of Air Awakens.
The AAAPodcast Community—always, eternally, thank you for your support in this. I promise, it’s not keeping me from watching too much anime ...
My Street Team—I’m lucky to have the best Street Team in the world. Your excitement and interest for Air Awakens, discussions, and so on keeps me so invigorated and willing to keep writing. I love working with you all, and I hope that I will never disappoint you. Thanks to everyone: Shara, Jasmin, Jhoanne, Joana, Cassandra, Jamie, Sana, Royala, Iris, Maud, Denise, Sandra, Emily, Alexis, Sabrina, Andrea, Jade, Mia, Adel, Dani, Lauren, Erika, Christine, Tho, Kelly, Megan, Desyerie, Amani, Aila, Avery, Emily, Skyly, Ali, Aentee, Fatima, Logan, WanHian, Brianna, Laura, Angelia, Shelly, Ashley, Jessica, Alexandra, Malene, Natalia, Annalisse, Theresa, Fiona, Nikki, Sophie, Carly, Karina, Suzann, Alice, Mi-Mi, Annie, Autumn, Kaavya, Raisa, Carmela, Devin, Vanessa, Madeline, Hadassah, Salwa, Kathleen, Heidi, Vivien, Tayla, Shannon, Eileen, Alicia, Roz, Michaela, Linda, Megan, Emily, Amanda, Kaitlin, Linda, Parryse, Vinky, Lee, Jaclyn, Lisa, Aiko, Tara, Amanda, Melissa, Hameedah, Brian, Jan, Erin, Sarah, Pammy, Leila, Ting, and Abigail.