Thank you to Desiree Roosa, Patricia Miller, Elizabeth Keenan, and Erin Brady Pike; The Club. They were my first writer friends and their Critique Partnering skills are responsible for any editing skills I have. Thank you to Gab Cody, a genius playwright who, when I asked, “How do you ever finish anything?” answered, “I set very ridiculous, very public deadlines.” It’s because of her that I did NaNoWriMo and wrote my first book. This book started life as a NaNoWriMo book too, so thank you to the Office of Letters and Light. Thank you to Ken Zeff and Crazy Mocha, behind whose counter I wrote much of this book. Thank you also to my Twitter writing buds who are quick with encouragement and slow to criticize.

Thank you to the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, whose dedication to holistic education seeks to educate not only the students in their care but also the community at large. They taught me much more than a few sentences in ASL. Thank you, especially, to Kristi Mosholder whom I first met when I was a barista and she brought her little dog in with her to order coffee. Her kindness and help has been invaluable as I navigate a new culture. Thank you, also, to ASLpro.com and the many, many d/Deaf bloggers I have followed!

To the Village of Westfield and Chautauqua Institution- Thank you for my wonderful childhood. Thank you to every place mentioned in this book, and all the places which inspired some of the fictional places in this book. Thank you to Rose and Greta at Vine City for introducing me to the tribulations of milkshake machines and the joys of black pedal-pushers. Thank you to Jen, Jenn, and Jenny for filling my high school years with singing, sleepovers, and the sharing of our darkest secrets. What else could I name Robin’s best friend? Thank you to all of my high school friends, whether we were close then or have re-connected over Facebook in our adult lives. Thank you to Kent and Nannette Knappenberger for introducing me to the music that Robin loves. Their love and guidance has left an indelible beauty mark on so many lives. There are not enough words.

Thank you immensely to Eric Anderson, who first told me that my high school journal was funny, then told me that my first book was awesome, and now tells me he’ll watch the toddler so I can write. He has sacrificed time and money to turn my dreams into goals and reminds me, on the days I need it, that I am already a success. Thanks also to Rook for napping like a champ- those two or three hours are the lifeblood of my work.

To God and to the Lamb, I will sing.

About the Author

Laura Lee Anderson is a writer, actor, and urban youth mentor who grew up in Westfield, NY. She now lives with her husband, son, and dog in Pittsburgh, PA. Most of her time is spent Mom-ing, writing, and creating semi-professional Shakespeare shows with teens. Not enough of her time is spent drinking lattes or eating at Burgatory. Too much time is spent binge-watching Leverage or Suits. Tweet her at @LLAWrites or check out her website at lauraleeanderson.wordpress.com. This is her debut novel.