They say it takes a village to raise a child. In my case a village helped me realize my dreams of publication, and there are many, many villagers who need special thanks.

First, the members of the Loaded Pencils critique group (established 1993 and still going) who taught me most of what I know: Betty Hufford, Stacy Cornell, Karen Lenzen, Dana McNeely, Bill Haynes and Mark Henley.

Next, the members of the CCLP critique group (established 2002 and still going) who keep me on task and tell me when I'm meandering: Cathy McDavid, Libby Banks and Connie Flynn.

Also, to my last-minute readers, who catch silly mistakes: Stacy Cornell, Elizabeth Weed, and Stacey Rannik.

Last, to the editors who make it all come together: Jessica Alvarez, Krista Stroever and Becky Germany.

The word thanks doesn't seem to say enough.