True North
Page 40
Similarly, I did not intend any of Layla’s struggles with mental health to minimize or invalidate individuals who struggle with similar or related mental health travails. Her difficulty recovering from her traumas as well as the coping mechanisms she utilized were purely conventions of the story––not at all an indictment or prescription for anyone struggling with their own traumas.
If you or anyone you know is suffering from the effects of an abusive relationship, please consider contacting one of the many resources out there that can help people cope, escape, and recover from abuse. You are loved. They are loved. And you are all worth it.
xo,
Nic
Resources
YWCA
Casa de Esperanza: an organization to help the Latinx community end domestic violence.
National Resource Center on Domestic Violence
National Network to End Violence Against Immigrant Women
Battered Women’s Justice Project
Acknowledgements
First and foremost, to my family. My husband, two teenagers, and my son are constant sources of support and humor in this life, and I love them so very much. Their willingness and patience for when I spent hours and hours zoned out with my characters is just as much responsible for these stories as my own mind.
Secondly, to my editorial team, alpha readers, and beta readers: THANK YOU for all of your hard work to make this book happen. To Danielle and Patricia: your never-ending support and feedback made all the difference in this book, and on top of that, you’ve become friends I truly treasure. Thank you to Kymberly, my last-minute beta and Nico-addict, for reading through and checking for continuity. Additionally, I am so grateful to work with the best editor and proofreader combo around. Emily Hainsworth and Judy Zweifel, you are the absolute best, and your patience with my slippery deadlines was much appreciated.
Thirdly, to the beautiful author community, and in particular, a fantastic group that gives endless support to one another: Ava, Harloe, CL, Jessica, Meg, Jane, Liv, Kim, Brooke, and Paige. #squadpod is the best. Additionally, thank you to Maya for your wit and humor and willingness to tell me when you hate my covers.
Fourthly, and most importantly, to my readers, particularly those of you who take the time to review my books, respond to my erratic mailing list, or play around in my reader groups. You make marketing and social media not just fun, but a blast. I would have gotten out of this game after the first book if it weren’t for you. Thank you.