Rift in the Sky

Acknowledgments

Lucky thirteen! It’s a popular number in our family, being my Poppa’s birthday. Even better, he now lives close by, so my breaks while writing this book included our frequent Timmies’ Runs. Our thanks to all who’ve sent stamps and encouragement this past year. As Poppa would say, you’re the best. (And Yum!)

Among those who helped us the most this year are the wonderful folks at DAW. I appreciate all you did (and suffered!) to publish this book in a timely fashion, and make it beautiful too, I might add. Sheila, I will never forget your phone call during the second period of the Leafs/Canucks game. You’d finished Rift, and wanted to reassure me immediately it was not only done, but very well done. What a relief that was!

Several individuals supplied names for characters, many contributing substantial sums to charity for the privilege. I hope you like what I’ve done to “you.” My thanks to Karen Witthun Gould (congratulations!), Cindy Raskin, Howard Slapcoff, Kelly Scoffield, Karina Sumner-Smith, Jana Paniccia, Kristen Britain, Gene Maynard, and last, but not least, the real Lawren Louli! (Who looks great in that hat.)

My thanks to Jennifer Czerneda for being my alpha reader for this book. Couldn’t have managed without you. Merci, Jihane Billacois, for your thoughtful comments. Thank you, Mike Gillis, official first reader. Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks to my BF and fellow writer, Janet Chase, for coming through as always.

In 2008, I had to cancel most of my public appearances, and I apologize to any who were inconvenienced. 2009 should see me all over the world, so hopefully we’ll catch up. I must thank the marvelous concom of Ad Astra 08 and staff of Bakka-Phoenix for more stunning book launches. And Necronomicon 08? You rock. Hugs to Heather (and family), Rick, Ann, and Cap’n Kendall! Our thanks to Janny Wurts and Don Maitz for giving us a very special break from it all when we most needed it.

Rift is in many ways about the power of family. May it be a gift, from ours to all of you.