by Brad Felver
To Hannah Tinti for all her guidance and encouragement. You give so much of yourself to help other writers that it’s a wonder you have anything left for your own brilliant stories.
To Anne Valente for her innate generosity, and also for always being the best writer in the room even while being so quiet about it.
To Lawrence Coates and Wendell Mayo for years of advice, encouragement, and friendship.
To all the editors who shepherded these stories in their early forms, particularly Steven Schwartz, Chris Fink, and Barry Kitterman.
To Paul Harding, Stratis Haviaras, and Greg Harris—wonderful teachers, and you influenced my writing far more than you probably know.
To Danielle Burkin for her incredible fortitude and her proficiency in all things, which keeps me sane most days. But mostly for your friendship, which I cherish.
To Peter Kracht, Maria Sticco, Alex Wolfe, Chloe Wertz, and the entire team at the University of Pittsburgh Press. That I get to hold this book in my hands is such a marvel, and I’m so grateful that you made it happen.
To all my students over the years—thank you for your enthusiasm, which is utterly infectious.
To Henry and Graham for being the best possible distractions from writing. Being your daddy is my favorite thing in the world.
And, of course, to Susie. Without you, there’s no way this book would exist, but without you, I also wouldn’t even care if it did. Love you madly.
