I am an outpost, a lighthouse, a planet silently gliding past yours. Gravity has set us all in motion and chosen our path. Maybe we don’t feel or taste or even believe the same things, and maybe that’s not the answer. We have to stop fighting what we see, especially what we see in the mirror, because it is the unseen that truly matters, and I’ve made my decision.
I will hold my course.
The world around us is full of monsters and freaks and mysteries.
And me?
I am the Guardian who will watch over them all.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I’m grateful to so many people for getting this book into your hands. First, my beloved husband, Mitch, urged me to take the time I needed to write the book I needed to write. He even took over the laundry. My kids, James, Elise, and Lauren, tried very hard to let me write in peace, even when a tree crashed in our yard, blocking the road and unleashing a nest of angry hornets. (“Don’t worry, Mom, we have knives!” will always be a memorable line from you guys.)
My own mom and dad contributed a lot to this book, starting a few decades ago, when they brought me to my first horror movie. And while I still hate seeing people’s heads explode, I did develop a passion for monsters. Thank you for letting me host my tea parties late at night in case Dracula and the Wolf Man could come. And thanks to my brother, Steve, for taking me on my first Sasquatch hunt. We’ll find him next time.
My dear friend Dr. Ana Adams, DVM, gave me advice about the Beast’s medical predicament. Dr. Adams is a well-respected vet, and I am grateful my monster had such good care. If you need to treat a giant wolf of your own, please don’t rely on this book but consult a qualified cryptozoologist.
My literary agent, Melissa Jeglinski, is a gem. Melissa, you thought this book had heart, and you certainly have mine for all you’ve done. (Thank you, Cecil Murphy, for introducing us, and thanks to the wonderful Julie Garmon for cheering us all on while we ate gluten-free French food together.) My film agent, Andy Cohen, asked to represent the book and gave me a vote of confidence that meant the world to me. I do love writing, but the people I meet are the real gifts.
And my critique group, the Y-Nots: Johnna Stein, Sharon Pegram, and Sandra Havriluk. I am so indebted to each of you for your encouragement and feedback, but most of all for your friendship, which means so much to me. Please say something extra nice about me in your acknowledgments. I also owe a debt to my favorite nemesis, Jim Reinoehl, and his wonderful wife, Louise. I love you both!
And finally, the team at Delacorte Press, especially Krista Vitola. Thank you for believing in the book and then showing me how we could make it even stronger. You truly have an alchemist’s gifts, and it was my honor to work with you. I hope our work impacts a lot of readers.
Designer Sarah Hokanson and illustrator Dinara Mirtalipova, I’m thrilled you were chosen to create the “welcome mat” for the readers. You captured the heart of the book with your pencil, which is rare magic indeed.
And, finally, my copy editor, Deb Dwyer. Your attention to detail made this book shine. Although I expressed my gratitude a bazillion times, let me say it once more: thank you!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ginger Garrett graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas with a major in theatre arts and a focus on playwriting. Although she applied to the CIA to become an international master of espionage, she had to settle for selling pharmaceuticals for a global corporation. She eventually traveled the world on her own dime and without a fake mustache.
Ginger now lives in Atlanta with her husband, three children, and two rescue dogs. She spends her time baking gluten-free goodness for her friends and family and mentoring middle school students who want to become working writers. Passionate about science, history, and women’s studies, Ginger loves exploring new ideas and old secrets. She especially loves good books read late at night.
Ginger is a popular speaker and a frequent guest on radio and television shows. She has been featured in and on media outlets across the country, including Fox News, USA Today, Library Journal, and 104.7 The Fish Atlanta. You can learn more at gingergarrett.com.
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