The Fill-In Boyfriend(87)
A big thank-you to my husband, Jared, who makes it much easier for me to write. He’s the best support a girl could have. Plus, after seventeen years of marriage, I still like the guy. I mean, I always love him, but I like him too. My kids are quite awesome as well. I’m going to start with the youngest first, this time, since he always has to go last: Donavan, Abby, Autumn, and Hannah. They make me laugh every day and I’ve never been more proud of anyone in my life than I am of them.
My agent, Michelle Wolfson, has made being in this sometimes-difficult industry a lot easier for me. Without her, I’d be a mess. Thanks for everything, Michelle. I’ve also had the privilege to work with a couple of different editors for this book, both of whom were great—Sarah Landis and Catherine Wallace. Thanks for loving my books, ladies, and helping to make them better. And thanks to HarperTeen for giving me such an amazing push into the world of young adult literature. It’s a great place to be. A special mention to some other members of my HarperTeen team: Stephanie Hoover, Rosanne Romanello, and Jennifer Klonsky.
Before I even let my agent or editor see my books, these lovely ladies have to suffer through the early drafts. They are some of my favorite people ever: Candice Kennington, Stephanie Ryan, Jenn Johansson, Renee Collins, Natalie Whipple, Sara Raasch, Michelle Argyle, Melanie Jacobson, Kari Olson . . . oh no, I’m forgetting someone, I just know it. I’m sorry if I forgot you.
Sometimes I don’t write; I actually do other things (I know, I’m shocked too). These people try to remind me that it shouldn’t be all books, all the time: Elizabeth Minnick, Rachel Whiting, Claudia Wadsworth, Brittney Swift, Mandy Hillman, Emily Freeman, Jamie Lawrence, Melanie Martinez, Amy Burbidge, and Erynn Nelson.
Last and least (just kidding, never least) is my amazing family. I’ve been blessed with a big one, and I know I am who I am today because of them: of course, my mom and dad (Chris and Don), Heather Garza, Jared DeWoody, Spencer DeWoody, Stephanie Ryan, Dave Garza, Rachel DeWoody, Zita DeWoody, Kevin Ryan, Vance and Karen West, Eric and Michelle West, Sharlynn West, Rachel and Brian Braithwaite, Angie and Jim Stettler, Emily and Rick Hill, and all their respective children.
Phew. When I finish, I always feel like I named everyone and their mother and at the same time forgot everyone and their mother. How is this possible? I’m so sorry if I forgot you. Please know it’s because I have mush brain, not because you’re not important.