Between (39 page)

First and foremost, I’d like to create an enormous THANK YOU out of hugs and glitter and tackle my editor, Danielle Ellison, with it. Danielle, without your push and guidance, this book wouldn’t have happened. Looking back on the draft you originally read, I’m insanely grateful that you loved it enough to help me turn it into what it is now. And thank you for being as in love with Seth as I am.

Along those same lines, I will forever be grateful to Brianna Dyrness, Christina Ferko, Britta Gigliotti, and Danielle Rock for taking the time to read
Between
through every one of its many, many incarnations. This book would be a mess without you.

Thanks to everyone at Spencer Hill Press who’s had a hand in making this book, as well as Cindy Thomas for everything she’s done to help me promote it. You’ve been an amazing group of people to work with and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. I love being a part of the SHP family.

Nathalia Suellen and Tiffini Scherbing created amazing artwork to represent my story. Nathalia, I was in love with my cover as soon as I saw it. Tiffini, the map you created for Ellauria is absolutely perfect. Thank you both for turning my words into something beautiful.

Josh, you read every single draft of this book, and ripped it apart when it needed it. Thanks for taking the time to talk through plot issues with me and for being such an excellent friend. You, sir, are the sheet.

Kelsey, I can’t even list all the ways you’ve saved me in the last year. Writing and editing can be such lonely experiences, and I’m so glad we’ve been able share all the ups and downs with each other. Thank you for keeping me going, and for acting like I was totally normal when I went into Crazy Writer Mode.

Sarah and Angi, thank you for being there to laugh and cry with me throughout this entire process. You give the best pep talks, and you always know when to push me. I wouldn’t have survived without our music videos, group texts, and general awesomeness.

Samantha, you kept me sane from the first edit letter to the last. Thank you for taking the time to read and reread scenes and to brainstorm with me. Your insights and critiques have been invaluable. You are truly the best.

Chris, your unfailing belief in me and this book kept me going when I was completely mentally exhausted. Thank you for reading it at its worst, and for inspiring Charlie’s fascination with Alexander’s vaulted ceiling.

Hugs to Gina Denny for being my very first critique partner. You read the earliest draft of this book and loved it anyway. I don’t even know how to thank you for that.

Dahlia, Erica, Maggie, Jamie, Leigh Ann, Cait, Jenny, Gina, Marieke, Chessie, Lyla, Jen, and Suz—thank you ladies for supporting me and
Between
for so long, and for being some of the smartest and most selfless writers I know.

Nick, I don’t think anyone understands the drama that played out in my head throughout this whole process better than you do. Every time I was convinced I was a talentless hack, you pulled me out of it and reminded me why I do this. Thank you.

Melissa, Becky, David, Justin, and Amy—you’re the best cheerleaders ever. Thanks for putting up with my Vanishing Friend/Sister Act during edit cycles, and for reminding me that I do, in fact, love this book.

Mom and Dad, thanks for constantly supporting me. I am very blessed to have you as my parents, and that fact never escapes me. I love you.

Lauren and Ella, you are the funniest, smartest, cutest little people in existence. I’m so lucky you’re mine, and every time you speak, I love you more.

Lastly, to my husband Brian—you deserve an award for being married to a writer. I know this isn’t what you signed up for, and I am deeply appreciative of the sacrifices you’ve made to help me make this dream come true. Thank you for being the kind, patient man that you are, and for making me laugh every single day. I literally could not have done this without you. I love you.

A
BOUT
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Megan Whitmer loves all things Southern, and has a soft spot for football, kissing scenes, and things that sparkle. She lives in Kentucky with her family. When she’s not writing, Megan spends her time drinking absurd amounts of coffee and dancing in her kitchen. Between is her debut novel. Visit her online at
meganwhitmerwrites.com
.