Founders: A Novel of the Coming Collapse

Acknowledgments

As a novelist, I’ve been influenced by Pat Frank (the author of Alas, Babylon), George Stewart (the author of Earth Abides), and Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle (the coauthors of Lucifer’s Hammer). When I was a young man, those four novelists provided me some important formative “what if?” images of possible futures for America. I am in their debt.

Above all else, it takes faith and friends to survive. I’ve been blessed with a lot of friends, and they have helped strengthen my faith in Almighty God.

This novel is dedicated to my new wife, “Avalanche Lily,” for her inspiration, encouragement, and diligent editing. She has filled a huge gap in my life after Linda (“The Memsahib”) passed away.

My sincere thanks to my editor, Emily Bestler. This novel wouldn’t exist without you.

My thanks to the other folks who encouraged me, who contributed technical details, who were used for character sketches, and who helped me substantively in the editing process: Aviad, Azreel, Ben, Brent F., Chris F., Cope, Daniel C., “The Other Mr. Delta,” Grizzly Guy, Reggie K., Ignacio L., Jerry J., J.I.R., Johannes K., Keith K., Dr. Mark L., CW3 J.S., Dave M., Michael H., Dean R., Jim S., D.S., “SNO,” and Terrie.