Through Alien Eyes

Acknowledgments

Although writing is a solitary endeavor, every writer has a support network that makes writing possible. My support network includes:

My husband, Edd Vick, who listened patiently to loony ideas, middle-of-the-night ramblings, and general maun-derings-on concerning the book. He also slid sandwiches under the door when I forgot to eat, proofread manuscripts on short notice, and did far more than his fair share of the housework during the final slog through the manuscript.

My second readers:

Hugh Daniel, John Hecht, Ctein, Kim and Hank Graham, Rich Dutcher, Terry Garey, Laurie Edison, and Loren MacGregor. Their insight and feedback greatly improved the book.

And friends like:

Greg Bear, for thoughts on structure that helped me get where I needed to go.

T’om Seaman, who helped me understand some of the lessons Ukatonen needed to learn.

Anetta and Pekka Pirinen for help with the Finnish. Any mistakes are my fault, not theirs.

Steve Gallacci for help with terminology.

Howard Waldrop, for help with the solitaires and their kin. If you haven’t read his excellent story, “The Ugly Chickens,” you’re missing a treat.

The members of the Feminist Cabal, for support, guidance, and their great sense of humor!

Don Maass, literary agent extraordinaire.

And to Ginjer Buchanan for editorial patience above and beyond the call of duty.

I also got help from the following people, who took the time to answer weird questions posed by a total stranger:

Skip Briggs of Weapons Safety, Inc., who answered some very unsettling questions about guns without batting an eyelash!

And to the personable and friendly staff of Turnbull Wine Cellars, Dutch Henry Winery, and Robert Mondavi Winery, who provided me with vital information about viticulture and oenology, and allowed me to sample some excellent wines! (Research can be hell!)