The Widow of Wall Street touches topics close to me, including knowing when to question that which seems too good to be true. Fighting to stay above water; balancing love, money, family, and friends; finding the line between trust and watchfulness; and then staying in line with what we know to be doing the right thing—these are struggles we all face at one time or another.
Thus, I thank my mother for teaching me dedication to work, and for scaring me with the warning, “Always pay yourself first!” Early on she learned the lessons of being alone and broke. I didn’t always follow her rule, but at least I felt guilty when I ignored her. I thank my grandmother for teaching me the value of kindness. And I thank the books crowded on the shelves of the Brooklyn Public Library for teaching me right from wrong when I was a child and needed guidance. I tried to bring all these lessons together when writing this novel.
Many people supported me while writing The Widow of Wall Street, but none more than Stéphanie Abou, the best agent possible. She has been my wise, warm, and determined agent and friend from the beginning.
Atria Books provides a supportive environment for authors. Judith Curr’s wisdom and love of books shines through, and I thank her for giving me a place in the Atria family. Rakesh Satyal is an extraordinary editor—he improves everything he touches, and I am grateful to be working with him. Loan Le is a fount of reliability, warmth, and intelligence. Lisa Sciambra and Tory Lowy’s dedication is apparent daily. Hillary Tisman might be the hardest-working woman in publishing. I appreciate all the Atria staff more with each book. Philip Bashe performed miracles with my mountains of errors and brought his special expertise to the pages.
Ben Bruton, from Ben Bruton Literary, is passionate in his work and with his support—how lucky I am to have found him! Artist Rodrigo Corral brought my dream to life with his astounding cover art.
Nancy MacDonald is a friend, a genius, and a rock of stability. She improves everything she touches. Rose Daniels built a website that makes me grateful for her every day.
I would be lost without my writing circles. Ginny Deluca provides faith when my own is lacking. Melisse Shapiro keeps me safe during my worst moments and laughing afterward. My life would lack a center without these women. My beloved and forever writing group—Nichole Bernier, Kathy Crowley, Juliette Fay, and E. B. Moore are four of the wisest, warmest (and when need be, strictest) women in the world. The ever-brilliant Ann Bauer read my work in full draft—offering not just phenomenal suggestions but belief when my own was lacking. Novelist and cookbook author Jane Green has been a dear friend since I met her—and now she’s shared a beloved cupcake recipe to go out to the world with my book!
To my cherished and trusted writer friends—bless our virtual water fountain: my dearly loved Chris Abouzeid, Christiane Alsop, Robin Black, Jenna Blum, Cecile Corona, Ellen Meeropol, Becky Tuch, and Julie Wu—you are all way beyond talented and loving.
Heartfelt thanks to the GrubStreet Writer’s Center of Boston—especially Eve Bridburg and Chris Castellani—for bringing writers together and making dreams come true. Real-life hugs to everyone in the fabulous online Fiction Writer’s Co-op, with a special shout-out to Cathy Buchanan for putting us all together and Catherine McKenzie for keeping us that way.
Thank you Nina Lev for listening to me agonize and offering “walk” therapy; Kris Alden for telling me which authors I should be reading; and to Stephanie Romanos for being the best road companion possible. And special thanks to a group of writers who energized me when I needed it: Gina Bolvin, Marshall Findlay, Jack Gleason, Thomas Hess, Liz Kahrs, Marlene Kim, Suzanne Lipsky, Ann-Marie Rothstein, Sherrie Ryan, Peter Scanlon, and Sylvia Westphal.
Deep love and thanks to my family, including sisters of my heart, Diane Butkus and Susan Knight. I bask in the love of my cousin Sherri Danny, sister-in-law Jean Rand, and brother-in-law Bruce Rand.
Thank you to those who own my heart, who offer comfort, joy, and understanding: my children, Becca Wolfson, Sara and Jason Hoots, my granddaughter, Nora Hoots, and my sister and best friend, Jill Meyers—you are all so sweet, loving (and funny!). And again, the love of my life, Jeff Rand, the very best man I know.