Bright Before Sunrise(73)

My local writing support group: Jonathan Maberry, who wins the gold in author mentorship; Nancy Keim Comley, Elisa Ludwig, Eugene Myers, Kate Walton, Gail Yates, Eve Marie Mont, Tiff Emerick, Jen Zelesko, and Heather Hebert—they will always have a place in my heart, house, and in-box.

Taylor Mysza—who wrangled my Schmidtlets so I had time to write. I’m sorry for all the times they made her sing Taylor Swift—someday they’ll figure out the Taylors are not the same person.

The Apocalypsies—well, the world didn’t end in 2012 and I’m so glad! Because we all have oodles more stories to tell, and I can’t wait to read them.

And always, my family, who let me dream, explore, and get into lots of mischief; my in-laws, who are endlessly generous with their babysitting time and help; and my puggles, who are only slightly more obedient than Never, but I love them anyway.

My impish Schmidtlets, I could write a whole book about how much I love you … and if I did, you’d insist the last words be: “And fireworks!” (Dear Readers, I have no idea why … It’s just a Schmidtlet Storytime Rule.)

Lastly, St. Matt—You’re pretty cute in that halo. I love you.

And fireworks!