To a few other important people who offered their words of support and constructive criticism: Diane Awbrey for a great critique. John Kindel, Leroy Kimminau, and Darryl Strickler for their rowing and boatbuilding expertise. Tinka Davis and Paul Sander for their mathematical minds and insight into the pi element of the story. They all certainly know their stuff, and any remaining mistakes or intentional variations from the factual are my own doing. In fact, why don’t we just say any variations from the factual are intentional and call it good.
To Tucker Kimball and Justyne Myers at Gould Academy in Bethel, Maine, for giving a great tour of their beautiful campus and providing me with wonderful insight into the boarding school world.
To my many friends at Eighth Day Books and Watermark Books. Two slices of heaven for any reader, and they are both within walking distance of my house.
Being somewhat of a vagabond writer, I have many people to thank for providing me with the space in which to write this book. To Matt McGinness for providing many a place to write over the years, but especially for being a supportive and encouraging voice during my many “yet to be published” years. To Steve and Mary Algya for letting me use their treehouse apartment above my sister’s garage. I can work for hours, then sneak into Annmarie’s house and pilfer candy from her children without them even knowing it. To Bob and Jan Hall, for offering their lovely home over Christmas break so I could finish a draft. That was a big deal. And to their daughter and her husband, Carrie and Jon Hullings, for designing the most awesome office space—just for me. Yes, it is in the lobby of their orthodontics practice, but that’s okay. With the number of kids I have in braces, I get plenty of use out of the area, and free coffee. And a big shout-out to Warren Farha at Eighth Day Books for giving me the key to the store for early-morning writing, and for having a wonderful poetry section in the front window where Early Auden’s name was born.
And to my favorite four—Luke, Paul, Grace, and Lucy. I’m a lucky mom. My only complaint is you’re all growing up too fast. So all birthdays are canceled for next year!
And Mark. My north star—and a true gentleman.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
CLARE VANDERPOOL loves to read, research, and travel. Writing Navigating Early gave her the opportunity to do all three. On a research trip to Maine, Clare explored lighthouses, walked on sandy beaches, visited a boarding school, and even took her own trek on the Appalachian Trail. Unfortunately, she did not run into any bears. That would have been some research!
Clare started reading at age five and writing at age six, when her first poem was published in the school newspaper. Her first novel, Moon Over Manifest, was awarded the John Newbery Medal for the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.
Clare lives in Wichita, Kansas, with her husband and their four children.
Navigating Early Page 23
