Frozen

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I thought writing these the second time ’round would be easier than with my debut, and I thought wrong. (Turns out everything about sequels is a challenge.)

So much time, attention, and care is required to put a book into the world, and while my name is on Frozen’s cover, a small army made the bound product possible.

First and foremost, the wonderful team at HarperTeen/Harper-Collins Children’s. My editor, Erica Sussman, continues to ask all the right questions—sometimes queries I don’t want to hear, but always ones that make the story stronger when I roll up my sleeves and put in the work. Erica, I am forever grateful for your keen eye and sharp intellect. Tyler Infinger, it has been an absolute privilege working with you on this series. Erin Fitzsimmons (and the rest of the design department), you exceeded my expectations once again, and gave Frozen a cover I love even more than my first. (I didn’t think it possible.) Christina Colangelo, Casey McIntyre, and all the other dedicated, astute minds who worked tirelessly to bring this sequel to readers: thank you!

My agent, Sara Crowe, whose steadfast guidance and savvy business edge have proved invaluable assets countless times over: thank you for fielding all my ridiculous questions, securing foreign rights, brainstorming everything from plot twists to marketing possibilities, and fighting (when necessary) on my behalf. Every author needs such a champion, and I’m so fortunate to have you in my corner.

Writing is a lonely endeavor, complete with unexpected panic attacks, waterfalls of self-doubt, and lots of staring out windows. (Perhaps enough to rival the time spent staring at blinking cursors.) I’ve found fantastic support groups in Pub(lishing) Crawl and Friday the Thirteeners. Ladies, thank you for talking me off ledges and keeping me sane. Especially Sarah J. Maas and Susan Dennard. You two are my rocks. Of the diamond variety. No, crystals. Kat Zhang, I’m still suffering writer’s envy from the prose you churned out during our workshops while on tour. (This is a good problem. You’ve made me raise my bar.) Alex Bracken and Jodi Meadows, I’m requesting another breakfast and coffee date, respectively. One can never talk books for too long or too often. Marie Lu: you read Taken well over a year ago and sent me an email filled with so many kind words upon completion that I’m still grinning. We were mere internet acquaintances back then, and this then-debut was extremely grateful for your time. (I’d hoped to put that in Taken’s acknowledgments but missed my window. You know how publishing timelines are.) I’m honored to now call you a friend.

April Tucholke and Jenny Martin: many thanks for critiquing and beta reading. You guys have been on this journey with me (and Gray!) from the beginning, and I’d be scratching my head more than I already do without your advice and cheerleading.

Speaking of encouragement . . . Rob, the dedication for this novel couldn’t be truer. Writing this book wasn’t easy, and you pulled me back to reality when I required a break, and understood when I needed to be locked away in my office, typing by the light of my screen. I’m not sure how many times I said just five more minutes, and you nodded, well aware it would be closer to fifty. I’m a lucky girl to have such a patient husband.

Mom and Dad: you guys remain the greatest teachers I know. I owe you so much more than words can adequately express.

Kelsy, who knew I could find a best friend, first reader, and sounding board all in my sister? Love you to the moon and back.

Additional love to my friends (both online and IRL) and extended family (aunts, uncles, cousins, Grandma, in-laws). The support you have shown me and this series is truly remarkable. I need to hire each and every one of you as my backup marketing team. Your guerrilla tactics are gold.

To all the librarians, booksellers, and educators who put young adult novels on their shelves and in the hands of teens: you are real-world superheroes.

And last but certainly not least, a million thank-yous to you. Yes, you—holding this book and devouring every last word. Thank you for following Gray on this journey. Thank you for your emails and tweets and support and time. Sharing this story with the world is an honor, and none one of it would be possible without readers. Without you.