Sliver of Truth

Acknowledgments

It might be true that writers work in isolation. But the work I do would surely stay behind closed doors without the network of believers and supporters I am so blessed to have in my life. I’ll list them here with a glowing catalog of their many qualities:

My husband, Jeffrey, has heard me give the same talks and answer the same questions for years—and not just at home. I have yet to appear at a bookstore, conference, or writers’ or readers’ group without my husband in the audience. And, frankly, that’s the least of what he does. He’s the best husband, friend, publicist, reader, event coordinator, and—most recently—the best father I have ever known. And he cooks! I thank my lucky stars every day for him.

My agent, Elaine Markson, and her assistant, Gary Johnson, are positively my lifeline in this business. From the time I was signed on at the Elaine Markson Literary Agency almost seven years ago, Elaine has been my first reader, my champion, and my friend. Gary keeps me organized, keeps me laughing, and keeps me up on all the industry gossip. Every year I try to think of something new to say, but the unchanging truth is this: I’d be lost without him.

If I could build a shrine to my editor, Sally Kim, and worship at it, I would. Seriously. The author-editor relationship is so delicate, so crucial. Authors are such quirky, fragile people; in the wrong hands they can be bruised and demoralized. In the right hands, they grow and get better at their craft. Sally has the loveliest way of guiding without pushing, suggesting without dictating, making me a better writer, and letting me think it was all my doing. She’s a co-conspirator, therapist, champion, and friend.

A publisher like Crown/Shaye Areheart Books is every writer’s dream. I can’t imagine a more wonderful, supportive, and loving home. My heartfelt thanks to Jenny Frost, Shaye Areheart, Tina Constable, Philip Patrick, Jill Flaxman, Whitney Cookman, Jacqui LeBow, Kim Shannon, Kira Stevens, Roseann Warren, Tara Gilbride, Christine Aronson, Linda Kaplan, Karin Schulze, and Kate Kennedy…to name just a few. Every one of these people has brought their unique skills and talents to bear on my work and I can’t thank them enough.

Special Agent Paul Bouffard understands the way I think. We are of one mind. He is my source for all things legal and illegal. With his vast experience in federal law enforcement, he is a wealth of information, a wellspring of details and thrilling anecdotes that never cease to capture my imagination, a tireless sounding board, and along with his wife, Wendy, a great friend.

My family and friends cheer me through the great days and drag me through the bad ones. My mom and dad, Virginia and Joseph Miscione (aka Team Houston), are tireless promoters and cheerleaders. At every store I visited in Houston, a clerk or manager said to me, “Oh, yeah! Your mom was in here moving your books to the front table!” My brother, Joe Miscione, takes pictures with his cell phone whenever he sees my books in stores and e-mails them to me. My friend Heather Mikesell has read every word I have written since we met almost thirteen years ago. I count on her insights—and her eagle-eye editing. My oldest friends, Marion Chartoff and Tara Popick, each offer their own special brand of wisdom, support, and humor. I am grateful to them for more reasons than I can count here.