Personal Demons 2 - Original Sin (32 page)

When I think back on the last year, it strikes me how steep my publishing learning curve has been. I've had some excellent (and very patient) guides along the way, to whom I owe a huge debt of gratitude. They include my truly fabulous agent, Suzie Townsend, cheerleader extraordinaire and the hardest worker I know, and Melissa Frain, my seriously cool editor, who has always been right on my page creatively, and wasn't afraid of this book. Thanks also to my Tor Teen crew for their enthusiasm and dedication to getting
Personal Demons
and
Original Sin
out into the world and into so many hands.

Once again, a huge thanks to my family, who have been my greatest source of encouragement and support. My husband, Steven, has supported my insane work schedule, and never called me crazy when I was obsessing over my imaginary friends. (Even though I'm sure he thought it.) My girls, Michelle and Nicole, continue to inspire me. My brother, Russ, has served as my right-hand man, and my mom, Harriet, and sister, Sherri, have helped spread the word.

One of the luckiest things that could have happened to me was stumbling upon my amazing critique partner, Andrea Cremer, at a writing conference when
Personal Demons
was in its infancy. She's helped me to explore possibilities I never would have seen on my own and take this series to a whole new level. Thanks also to Kody Keplinger and Courtney Moulton for inspiring me with their work and being an endless source of encouragement. Additionally, I want to thank everyone in the Elevensies for all the support you have shown me and for taking me in and making me one of your own.

And, because my Muse is still a wannabe rock star, a special thanks to Isaac Slade and The Fray for writing the haunting lyrics to “How to Save a Life,” which shaped this novel from Frannie's perspective, and to Adam Gontier and Three Days Grace for the amazing song “World So Cold,” which, unfortunately for Luc, is the musical embodiment of this entire novel.

But, most of all, thanks to you, my readers, for giving me a chance to entertain you. There aren't words to truly express my gratitude.