Many people offered comments on various versions of this book, among them, alphabetically: Alana Abbott, Christopher Ashley, Vladimir Barash, John Chu, Anne Cross, Amy Eastment, Miguel Garcia, Tom and Burki Gladstone, Dan Hammond, David Hartwell, Weronika Janczuk, Kristin Janz, Marlys Jarstfer, Siana LaForest, Lauren Marino, Sarah Miller, Stephanie Neely, Marco Palmieri, Margaret Ronald, and Marshall Weir. Failures to heed their warnings and advice are, as always, mine. Thanks to all my friends and family for their love, support, and patience.
And especially to Steph, best friend, constant companion, dearest love. She has not, yet, tried to destroy the world, for which my thanks.