Ink Exchange (31 page)

Authors: Melissa Marr

Tags: #Juvenile Fiction, #Paranormal, #Social Issues, #Drugs; Alcohol; Substance Abuse, #Love & Romance

BOOK: Ink Exchange

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Leslie’s tattoo is at the center of
Ink Exchange
. I knew that early on; I just didn’t know exactly what the tattoo looked like. It needed to be a representation of Irial’s nature, and while I had the words that made Iri come to life for me, I didn’t have a visual that captured his essence. The universe gives us what we need, though; I believe that. What I needed was Paul’s art and wisdom. To say that he was essential to the creation of this novel would be an understatement.

As with the tattoos I wear on my skin, I gave Paul my words; he answered with his images. The final result was the art that’s hung in my direct line of sight for the past year. Thanks to Paul, Irial’s eyes look back at me every day while I work.

It’s an amazing thing when two people’s muses can dance together.

A
CKNOWLEDGMENTS

The past year plus has seen
Wicked Lovely
(my first book) go from revision to being on shelves—and
Ink Exchange
go from concept to completion. This was daunting, but the warm encouragement I’ve received has made it possible. To everyone at HarperCollins US and HarperCollins UK; to my publishers abroad (especially Franziska at Carlsen in Germany); to librarians, booksellers, readers, parents, journalists, teachers, and the folks at the fansite (especially Maria); to my amazing financial manager, Peggy Hileman; and to the innumerable others I’ve met online and in person: I’ve been humbled by your kindness and support. Thank you, all.

Special thanks go to Clare Dunkle, who has touched my heart first with her novels and then in the past year with her wisdom. It’s been a privilege.

My agent, Rachel Vater, makes chaos look like order. Whether you’re talking me down, keeping me company as I wander, or flashing those pretty fangs, I am ever grateful.

My two passionate editors, Anne Hoppe and Nick Lake, continue to exceed expectations. Your insights, notes, and hours of chatting have made the text clearer and closer to the ideals I strive to reach.

Kelsey Defatte read the very earliest versions of this manuscript. Craig Thrush read through my conflict scenes. I am indebted to you both. And I am extremely indebted to Jeaniene Frost for hours of talking, revision letters to rival editors’ letters, and so many epiphany-stirring observations. Thanks, J.

My tattoo artist, Paul Roe, read the tattoo sequences and answered innumerable questions on the minutiae of the art and its history. For this, for decorating my skin, and for all the rest, you have been essential to me.

Some rare people have given me their affection through years of chaos and calm—Dawn Kobel, Carly Chandler, Kelly Kincy, Rachael Morgan, Craig Thrush, and most of all, Cheryl and Dave Lafferty. Thank you for keeping me steady. Words can’t cover what you mean to me.

None of the rest of this would’ve meant a thing if it weren’t for the people who enrich every aspect of my life—my parents, children, and spouse. I’m fairly certain I exist only because you are beside me.

—June 2007

About the Author

Melissa Marr:
Although I was voted “most likely to end up in jail” in high school, I decided to get an MA and teach literature and gender studies to college students across the country. Along the way, I’ve been unable to resist trying new things—including working an archaeological dig, slinging drinks at a biker bar, and getting fabulous tattoos.

I call all of this research for my writing. To fill my craving for new experiences, I’ve lived in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and southern California, and I plan to keep roaming with my family as widely and as often as possible.

Please help feed my addiction to meeting interesting people by visiting me on the web at www.melissa-marr.com.

Find out the latest news and meet other Melissa Marr fans at www.wickedlovely.com

Visit www.AuthorTracker.com for exclusive information on your favorite HarperCollins author.

ALSO BY MELISSA MARR:

Wicked Lovely

Fragile Eternity

Credits

Cover design by Alison Klapthor

INK EXCHANGE
. Copyright © 2008 by Melissa Marr. Tattoo image copyright © 2007 by Paul Roe and Melissa Marr. All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on-screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, down-loaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of HarperCollins e-books.

Adobe Digital Edition March 2009 ISBN 978-0-06-185174-2

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