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Acknowledgments
Over the years, there have been so many that deserve a note of thanks. Some long ago earned a permanent
place in my acknowledgment list, and others are new to the scene but have done their own special
things along the way.
Kate Hall, who, although she was probably ready to kill me by the end of each of my first two books,
somehow guided me through the edit process to build a better book each time. I have long since fallen
out of touch with Kate, but she will always be the most special to me as someone who really helped
shape my writing career. I continue to hold this first dedication spot for you — wherever you are Kate,
I hope you are doing splendidly.
Adaobi Obi Tulton, who has had to put up with yet another trialing year of dealing with my life and
what that has sometimes meant to delivery schedules. If I ever make it rich, I may hire Adaobi as my
spiritual guide. While she can be high stress about deadlines, she has a way of displaying a kind of
“peace” in just about everything else I’ve seen her do. I need to learn that. (I said the same thing in my
last book, but I don’t seem to have made much progress.)
Dominic Shakeshaft, who got me writing in the first place (then again, given some nights filled with
writing instead of sleep lately, maybe it’s not thanks I owe him…).
Catherine Alexander, who played Kate’s more than able-bodied sidekick for my first title, and was central
to round two. Catherine was much like Kate in the sense she had a significant influence on the shape
and success of my first two titles.
Greg Jackson, who saved me some sleepless nights by taking over some of the copy-edit phase duties
for this title, so I could increase my focus on finishing the Professional title without messing up the
schedule. The trials of late changes to the product and troubles in the editing process wound up making
things substantially more frustrating than I imagine Greg thought he was signing up for, and I appreciate
his willingness to keep sorting things out until I stepped back in.
A few other honorable mentions are deserved for past or present contributions (forgive me if I leave
someone out): Richard Waymire, Gert Drapers, Bill Ramos, Dan Jones, and Bob Elliott.