Tempest (40 page)
Authors: Julie Cross
Roni Loren,
one of my first online writer friends and critique partners and my “release day sister.” It has been amazing having her support, having someone to walk with through the exact same process at the exact same time.
Suzie Townsend, my agent,
who shares my true love for young adult literature and is someone who always knows exactly what I need to hear in moments of stress or excitement. She keeps me grounded and focused and is forever patient with my endless questions and story ideas. And her love for
this story
and my characters is apparent in every bit of feedback and critique I receive. I look forward to many, many years of working together.
Also, the entire team at
FinePrint Literary Management,
those I’ve met and those I haven’t, but I’m sure all of them have done something to support this book or me as an author, and I’m so grateful for the wonderful team effort that comes out of a top-notch agency like FinePrint.
Brendan Deneen, my editor, my friend
(to whom I’ve dedicated this book), for taking a chance on a newbie author and for not only believing in
Tempest
but in me as a writer. Because of him, I’ve enjoyed the process just as much as the result. Developing this story together was truly an unforgettable experience. He’s the equivalent of an Olympic coach, and I wouldn’t be the same writer without him.
Some of the great guys at
Thomas Dunne Books—Pete Wolverton and Tom Dunne
—for also taking a chance on a newbie author and believing in this book enough to let me write two more.
All the awesome people at St. Martin’s Press
—so many of them I haven’t even met or heard of, but they’re behind the scenes or on the front lines making my dream come true, an everyday task for these folks. I have a feeling, when it’s time for book two acknowledgments, I’ll have met many of them. But no matter how many hands
Tempest
falls into, I’ll never forget sitting in
Matt Baldacci
’s office during my first visit to New York and hearing him quote a line from
my book
and admitting to shedding a few tears while reading that morning. That was probably one of the greatest moments for me as a writer and proof of the entire publishing house’s passion for the books they represent and for the authors.
Summit Entertainment
for its continued effort to help bring
Tempest
to the big screen. Summit Producer
Sophie Cassidy,
for believing in
Tempest
from draft one. Producer
Sonny Mallhi,
for his dedication to this story and his continued encouragement of me as a writer.
Roy Lee,
for that amazing message he sent me saying how much he enjoyed reading my book. I know
Tempest
the movie couldn’t be in better hands.
Some of the authors who have influenced and inspired me before I began writing and early on in my journey:
Courtney Summers, J. K. Rowling, Stephen King, Judy Blume, Lois Lowry, Jay Asher, Ally Carter, Stephenie Meyer,
and
Ann M. Martin.
And last, but not least, thanks to anyone and everyone who picks up this book to read it for whatever reason—without people out there reading and buying books, my inspiration would be lost.
Julie Cross lives in Central Illinois with her husband and three children.
Tempest
is her first novel.
This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
THOMAS DUNNE BOOKS.
An imprint of St. Martin’s Press.
TEMPEST.
Copyright © 2011 by Julie Cross. All rights reserved. For information, address St. Martin’s Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10010.
ISBN 978-0-312-56889-4 (hardcover)
e-ISBN 9781429990592
First Edition: January 2012