Shipped(93)
Shipped is the book of my heart, but it never would have set sail without the help and support of many wonderful people.
My mentor, Sarah Andre, magically appeared in my life at a point when I needed her most. Thank you for believing in me when imposter syndrome came knocking. For that, and your advice on many fronts, I am eternally grateful.
To my critique partner, Amanda Uhl: thank you for keeping me on track and letting me test out all my bad ideas on you. You’re a talented writer and I feel lucky to count you as a friend. Gratitude to beta reader Danielle Haas for the superb feedback on an early draft of Shipped and to friend and travel partner Lindsey Davis for cheering me on and being willing to read whatever I send your way. Also, thanks to members of the Northeast Ohio chapter of RWA, Wellesley Writers, and the Omegas—I feel fortunate to be a part of so many supportive writing communities.
To my twelfth grade English teacher, Mrs. Hogan: thank you for introducing me to women’s fiction by assigning Like Water for Chocolate, and for teaching me that writing is a skill you can improve through effort over time.
To my agent extraordinaire, Jessica Watterson: you are, simply, the best. Thank you for championing Shipped and making a long-standing dream come true. I’m so fortunate to have you and the entire Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency team in my corner.
Many, many thanks to my brilliant editor, Molly Gregory. You helped elevate this story in ways I couldn’t have imagined, and your enthusiasm for Shipped has meant the world to me. Working with you is a joy and a privilege and I’m beyond grateful for the experience.
Sincere, bottom-of-my-heart thanks to the entire Gallery team as well for their work on Shipped and their tremendous support. Thank you, Jen Bergstrom, Connie Gabbert, Jen Long, Aimée Bell, Christine Masters, Faren Bachelis, Sally Marvin, Abby Zidle, Anabel Jimenez, Lisa Litwack, Caroline Pallotta, Rachel Brenner, and Anne Jaconette. And to Kate Byrne and my UK publisher, Headline Eternal, thank you for bringing Shipped to readers overseas.
To my Wellesley tribe—you know who you are—you are the most brilliant, driven, empowering women I know. Your friendship is the most uplifting force in my life, and you inspire me every day with your empathy, humor, and trailblazing spirit. Thank you for setting the standard for how I write female friendships.
To all of the people working in—and supporting—conservation in Galápagos, and all over the world: I’m inspired by your dedication to not only preserving the planet but creating a better, more sustainable future. Thank you for the critically important work you do.
Finally, to my family: I truly could not have written this book without you.
Mom: thank you for sparking my imagination at a young age, opening my eyes to the world through travel, and always encouraging me to follow my dreams. You’re my rock and my springboard. I wouldn’t be here without you (literally, but also at this stage in my writing career).
Jimmy: every day with you is an adventure (in the best possible way). You keep me laughing and inspire me with your tenacious approach to life. Your support means more to me than you’ll ever know—I love you.
Cooper: I didn’t believe I could actually finish writing an entire novel until you came into the world. You catalyzed my inner determination to overcome challenges and keep moving forward. I’m so lucky to be your mom.
Grandma: thank you for your unconditional love and lifelong support. You and Grandpa have made an indelible mark on my soul and will be in my heart forever. Also sincere thanks to Don, Chris, and Jim—thank you for supporting my writing journey through all its ups and downs.
Finally, a huge, heartfelt thanks to you, reader! With the ocean of books out there, I very much appreciate that you chose to read mine. Also, much gratitude to the librarians, booksellers, reviewers, teachers, bloggers, and all the other folks who connect readers with books. I get to do what I love because of you, and I’m grateful. Thank you all!