The Sweet Spot

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

When I first found out Big Girl Panties was going to be published, I was so naïve, on the level of Forrest Gump. I knew very little about publishing. Almost nothing. I hung up the phone after getting the word and thought, Well, that’s good . . . one less thing. I’ve learned so much since that phone call, mostly about all the really hard work that caring, dedicated people would undertake on my behalf. Enthusiastic folks who took me and my book into their hearts and helped guide me through my new learning curve. Saying thank you doesn’t begin to scratch the surface of the appreciation I’d like to express. It is with that thought and deepest gratitude that I’d like to thank the following:

Rachel Kahan—for believing in me when I doubt myself and feeling my characters almost as much as I do. She is an editor extraordinaire.

Liate Stehlik—for trusting me and the editor extraordinaire to tell this story. Having Liate in your corner is like being touched by an angel.

Heidi Richter—for being so smart and savvy and keeping me organized. She always knows just what day it is. Woot!

Kathy Gordon—for having more energy than a can of Red Bull—the kind of energy that’s contagious.

The team at William Morrow/HarperCollins—Trish Daly, Angela Dong, Dianna Garcia, Kaitlin Harri, Jen Hart, Virginia Stanley, Shelby Meizlik, Doug Jones, Lynn Grady, Tavia Kowalchuk, Rachel Levenberg, Erin Gorham, Lorie Young, Julia Meltzer, Lisa Stokes, Mary Schuck, and Andrea Rosen. For making hard work look like fun.

Andrea Cirillo and Meg Ruley—for making me feel sane, even when I know I sound completely off my rocker.

Rhonda Ritter Witkowski—for being the first friend I ever made, back when we were five, and hanging around for the duration. She is likely the only person on this earth who can truly blackmail me.

Ava Johnson—for always being ready to bust out a little “I’m Sally O’Malley”!

Amy Caswell—for helping me see the humor in everything and her uncanny ability to relate it to a Seinfeld episode.

And finally, from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank every wonderful reader who took time out of their day to make mine. Whether you reached out via the World Wide Web to lend your support, or recommended me to a friend, or shared a few minutes with me while I was passing through, you’ve enriched my life in a way I’ll cherish forever. Thank you.