Dog Run Moon

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

First and foremost, I’d like to thank my family — my parents especially — for encouraging me, a naturally lazy kid, to keep my nose in a book. A home devoid of television, and frequent trips to the library, set me on my current path, for better or worse, and for that I’m extremely grateful.

A big thanks to Greg Keeler, at Montana State University, one of the first people to encourage me in my writing at a point where otherwise I think I might have easily given it up.

Much appreciation to all the folks at the University of Wyoming M.F.A. program, a talented pool of writers and readers from whom I learned a great deal. Special thanks to Brad Watson — the fact that this book exists is due in large part to your generosity and insight. You really did change my life. Also, to Rattawut Lapscharoensap: Without your always brilliant criticism, many of these stories would be pale shadows of their current selves. And to Alyson Hagy, for your enthusiasm and advice. Your work ethic and overall approach to the writing life is something to which I aspire.

Kali Fajardo-Anstine, you’ve never once been boring. Thanks for calling me on my bullshit and semi-regularly telling me my writing sucks.

Peter Steinberg, you took a chance on a fishing guide in Montana. Thanks, and all the best to you.

Luling Osofsky, kindred spirit and wild animal, you’re a good friend and creator of so many things. Thank you for all the letters, lunches, and support.

To the Morley crew, especially Ben and Toby: Old friends are the best friends.

There are many folks in the windy city of Livingston, Montana, who have directly and indirectly influenced my life and writing. To all the fishing guides, here’s to another season on the river — keep living the dream. If this book sells any copies, drinks at the Murray are on me. Seriously. Don’t hold your breath.

Dan Lahren — world-class fisherman, chef, woodsman, repository of lore of all kinds, sacred and profane, and above all, always a true individual — thank you so much for all the stories, fishing, and meals. I look forward to many more.

Jim Harrison, thanks for the days on the river and for showing me that being a writer means, more than anything else, getting your work done.

Cole Thorne, let’s dance.

A number of editors at various magazines have done great work on many of these stories. Many, many thanks to Cressida Leyshon at The New Yorker. Your championing of my stories has much to do with this book’s becoming a reality. Also, thanks to Deborah Treisman at The New Yorker, and to Laura Barber at Granta.

I’ve been lucky enough to spend time at several great residencies while working on various stages of this book. Thanks so much to Willapa Bay AiR, the Brush Creek Arts Foundation, Madroño Ranch, and the Vermont Studio Center.

To Chris Parris-Lamb, a stellar agent, thanks for taking me on. And, finally, thank you, Noah Eaker, my tireless editor at the Dial Press, for your patience, enthusiasm, and keen eye — I’m exceedingly grateful.