The Seamstress of Hollywood Boulevard (49 page)

I owe thanks to many people, beginning with friends who contributed insights and suggestions, particularly Thomas Doherty, for his inexhaustible knowledge of Hollywood, and Michelle Herman, for her sharp editorial eye. Portions of this book appeared, in slightly different form, in
The Southern Review, The Kenyon Review,
and
The Hopkins Review,
and I thank Bret Lott, David Lynn, and John Irwin for their editorial aid.

Without Gail Hochman's patience and faith, Heidi Pitlor's vision, Beth Burleigh Fuller's care, and Jane Rosenman's enthusiasm, discerning ear, and exacting intelligence, this book would never exist. I cannot thank them enough.

My parents, C. Thomas McGraw and Eva McGraw, raised me on the stories about my grandmother that became the backbone for
The Seamstress of Hollywood Boulevard.
I am grateful for their love, support, and fondness for a good yarn.

My first and last thanks, always, are saved for my husband, Andrew Hudgins. He makes everything possible.