ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

It took me many years to write this book, and along the way an army of friends and strangers have generously offered me their criticisms, suggestions, and encouragement. I am grateful to them all.

Teresa Nielsen Hayden at the Viable Paradise Workshop showed me where to start the novel. Lois Tilton deftly pointed out where to stop. Sherwood Smith read draft after draft, giving me feedback on prose and plot and characters, as I fumbled toward the story I really wanted to tell. My wonderful editor, Claire Eddy, was an expert at asking all the right questions so I could see myself how to clear up the murky parts. Kristin Sevick patiently guided me through the production process. My very thorough copyeditor, Jane Herman, saved me from all kinds of inconsistencies and infelicities. Many thanks as well go to my agent, Vaughne Lee Hansen at the Virginia Kidd Agency, for taking me on, and to Gardner Dozois for introducing us.

My special debt of gratitude goes to my husband, Rob, and my son, Matt, for all their understanding and support.