The Quarry Girls(89)

I also must give a shout-out to the writers of Mare of Easttown, whom I do not know but whose talent sparked a key plot point that worked its way into this book. Specifically, and it’s crazy to think of it now, but there was no Beth in The Quarry Girls before I watched Mare of Easttown. The plotting of that show made me realize I needed her here, and I’m so glad.

When I need inspiration in not only crafting a good plot but also turning a beautiful phrase, I turn to the best of the best. While writing this book, I immersed myself in stories by Megan Abbott, S. A. Cosby, Anne Rice, Daniel Woodrell, and Rachel Howzell Hall, all five of whom can put together a sentence so unexpected and delicious that I go back to taste it again and again. I am grateful for their talent out there as a light.

Thanks also to the Humane Society and Pet Haven for taking such good care of vulnerable creatures and for providing me a steady stream of foster kittens. Every writer benefits from a cat or a dog (or a bunny or a snake), and I’m grateful for all the ways the fosters improve my quality of life.

Lastly but always first in my heart, all the love and thanks to Zo? and Xander for picking me as their momma in this life. Best job I’ve ever had.