by Ryan Ireland
Acknowledgements
I started this story some years ago while attending Wright State University. The Wright State community—especially Erin Flanagan and Scott Geisel—have always been supportive of their writers. They provided the best education a writer could want. While taking Erin’s class, I met a fellow writer, the incredibly talented and wise Ann Weisgarber. On Ann’s advice I searched for the right literary agent in the UK. It ended out being sage advice.
My agent, Anna Webber, deserves special recognition for her determination to see this story in print. She has provided me with thoughtful feedback and careful editing. Many more people involved in the publishing industry have been instrumental in turning my typewritten manuscript into a book. I would like to extend an apology for omitting their names here, but I would also like to assure them I am grateful for their efforts, kind words, and expertise.
Throughout the entire process my wife, Amber, has been a source of constant encouragement. She listens to my worries, dismisses my self-doubt, and understands me like no one else. My children too have been more than understanding. Time I spend writing often comes at the expense of many other things and my family as a whole has been unconditional in their support and love. For this I cannot thank them enough.
