Deliver Her: A Novel (29 page)

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I am indebted to the following individuals for their contributions during the writing of this story:

My instructors and fellow fiction writers at Gotham Writers Workshop in New York for kick-starting this journey;

The Book Doctors, Arielle Eckstut and David Henry Sterry, whose Pitchapalooza award propelled me to write this story;

My beloved book club, for coming out of retirement expressly to read my novel: Angela Flarity, Susan Kuper, Lisa Muir, Patty Nolan, Ginny Stewart and Nancy Swanson. Your heartfelt support around my dining room table reminded me our book club always was as much about friendship as it was about literature;

My cadre of early readers, whose thoughtful feedback added dimension to these characters, including: Deborah Albury, Karen Cassano, Mita Chatterjee, Jennifer Clark, Teresa Cooper-Kislik, Maurice Donovan, Molly Donovan, Ellen Easton, Judi Feldman, Denise Harkness, Lori Hartman, Barbara Lyons, Mary McNeill, Deirdre McGuinness, Cheryl Miller, Jenifer Morack, Austin O’Malley and Lisa Vlkovic;

Sherry Anderson of USA Guides for insight into the transporter experience;

My agent, Elisabeth Weed of The Book Group, for nurturing this manuscript and finding the ultimate home for
Deliver Her
;

My editors: Susan Breen for her astute early evaluation, and Marianna Baer for her keen-eyed final review and judicious suggestions. Both made this book better;

Danielle Marshall, Gabriella Dumpit and the entire Lake Union Publishing team for making my first publishing experience so seamless and enjoyable;

My parents, who had faith I’d eventually get around to doing this, and my extended Irish family for their encouragement and support;

My daughters, Molly and Nora, whose souls and individuality inspire me every day;

And finally, to Maurice, whose bottomless love and encouragement empower me to indulge my passion and navigate all of life’s journeys. This
word picture
is for you.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Photo © 2015 Benjamin Russell

Patricia Perry Donovan is a journalist who writes about health care. Her fiction has appeared in
Gravel Literary
,
Flash Fiction Magazine
,
Bethlehem Writers Roundtable
and other literary journals. The mother of two grown daughters, she lives on the Jersey shore with her husband.

Learn more at
patriciaperrydonovan.com
.