The Lake of Dreams (54 page)

Acknowledgments

THE LAKE OF DREAMS IS FICTIONAL, AS ARE ITS INHABITANTS, and exists only in the realm of the imagination. However, in writing this novel I drew deeply on my extensive experiences in the spectacular Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, an area rich in history and beauty. The Women’s Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls is real, of course, and I am grateful to the archivists there who spoke with me at length about their work.

Writing is such a solitary pursuit, and I am forever thankful for the patience and support of friends, colleagues, and family as I secluded myself with this book. Special thanks to Tom for so generously sharing his many gifts and talents, and for being so steady in chaotic times; warm thanks also to Abby and Naomi. My thanks to Edna Gordon for kind hospitality and fascinating insights on the Somerset Levels, and to my friends at the University of Kentucky, especially to Gurney Norman for his long support of writers and writing.

Geri Thoma is insightful, warm, and wise, and no one could have a better agent. My thanks to her, and to everyone at the Markson Thoma Agency.

The people at Viking Penguin bring terrific expertise and talent to every facet of publishing, and I am grateful to them all, especially to Kathryn Court and Clare Ferraro. First and last, I thank Pamela Dorman, a gifted editor, whose belief in my work made this book possible. Molly Stern’s smart, insightful editorial suggestions strengthened this story in ways large and small. Beena Kamlani brought a very keen and sensitive eye to the editing. Liz Van Hoose gave the final draft a crucial reading, and Kendra Harpster nurtured this book as it grew to completion. Thanks also to Stephen Morrison, as well as to Dick Heffernan and Norman Lidofsky and their fantastic sales teams. Paul Buckley and Carla Bolte created the beautiful jacket and book design. Shannon Twomey, Nancy Sheppard, Rachelle Andujar, Andrew Duncan, Leigh Butler, Valentina Price, Hal Fessenden, John Fagan, Maureen Donnelly, and Julie Miesionczek all gave their talents to help bring this book into the world, and I thank them.

I extend my thanks to the community at The Lexington Theological Seminary, where I’ve taken several classes, as well as to the clergy at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, who generously answered many questions. Thanks also to my spiritual direction group for thought-provoking discussions, candor, and much laughter. Finally, I am grateful to many authors over many years for their brilliant, perspective-shifting books, especially
The Dream of the Earth
by Thomas Berry,
In Memory of Her
by Elisabeth Fiorenza,
Women, Earth, and Creator Spirit
by Elizabeth A. Johnson, and
The Silent Cry: Mysticism and Resistance
by Dorothy Soelle.

ALSO BY KIM EDWARDS

The Memory Keeper’s Daughter
The Secrets of a Fire King