The Jane Austen Society(91)
As a debut author, I have been spoiled by the kindness, hard work, and confidence in my book that my publisher, St. Martin’s Press, has shown every step of the way. I am especially indebted to Keith Kahla, Alice Pfeifer, and Lisa Senz, who one December morning at 10.10 a.m. changed my life. I also want to thank Marissa Sangiacomo.
My book has also benefited greatly from the enthusiasm and expertise of everyone at Curtis Brown, Ltd., particularly Sarah Perillo and Steven Salpeter. Chocolates and tea will never be enough.
I will be forever grateful to my earliest readers, Jessica Watkins, Petra Rinas, and Marlene Lachcik, whose responses to this story motivated me to seek representation one more time, after a ten-year break from trying to get published. And to Jessica’s husband and fantastic media lawyer Ian Cooper, for all his guidance and advice throughout the road to publication.
There may be no profession more affected by the efforts of its teachers than that of writer, and I am indebted to the years of support and encouragement I received as a student of the following: [Charles] Brune, Professor Douglas Chambers, Nigel Marshall, Peter Skilleter, Dr. Margaret Swayze, the late Norma Stewart, and Professor Cam Tolton.
As the product of a very difficult time, this novel could also not have been written without the continuing support, guidance, and compassionate care shown my family by the following medical specialists: Dr. Ayeshah Chaudhry, Dr. Eugene Downar, Dr. Nathan Hambly, Dr. David Schwartz, Dr. Benjamin Raby, and Dr. John Yates.
Laurel Ann Nattress, a leading expert on Jane Austen and editor, writer, and blogger in her own right, has been an indispensable champion of my book from her first read, and has so selflessly and enthusiastically worked to ensure it reaches as wide an audience as possible. I can never thank her enough. I am also grateful to the following authors and lecturers, whose expertise in the field of Jane Austen set the initial flame afire: Professor Lynn Festa, Susannah Fullerton, Professor Claire Harman, Caroline Knight, Professor Stephen Tardiff, Whit Stillman, Professor Juliette Wells, and Deborah Yaffe.
Words will never suffice to describe the awesomeness that is my daughter, Phoebe Josephine, who saved her father and me in our darkest hours, and whose spirit, humour, and heart of gold inspire and motivate me every day.
On so many levels, this book would never have happened without my husband and first reader, Robert Nelson Leek. I could not have picked a better, more supportive, or more loving person to share in the ups and downs of a writing career, or of life.
Finally, I dedicate this book to Jane Austen, for all she has done for me in the past, present, and future, for the centuries of enjoyment her books have given the world, and for the example she has set for us all in creating art in the face of uncertainty, illness, and despair.