The Sowing (The Torch Keeper) (29 page)

Acknowledgments

As is often the case, sequels are an extension of the commitment, dedication, and encouragement of all that came before.
The Sowing
is no exception. There are so many wonderful people that have become part of this growing family of supporters of the Torch Keeper series, ever since
The Culling
was released, and I really appreciate all that they have contributed on this magical journey.

Cathy Castelli, I am forever indebted to you for taking the time to record my first book signing event EVER when
The Culling
was first released. You captured a wonderful memory of my dreams coming true that I will treasure for years to come! Also, it was really awesome of you to promote the book in school libraries.

No mention of schools would be complete without a nod to fellow author, Jennifer Lavoie, a teacher who has championed
The Culling
and introduced it to her students, while whetting their appetites for
The Sowing
in fiendishly clever ways. You tease!

Much thanks to Micah Dawson and the members of the Chaos Reads forums for embracing the Torch Keeper series, spreading the word of its existence, and starting its very first fan forums. I can’t tell you how amazing it felt the first time I saw a fan site featuring discussions of stories and characters of my own creation, and realizing I had actual fans!

And speaking of fans, I’d like to give a special shout-out to Chloe Hill, Marie White, Mel Longchamps, and Michele Cantwell, who befriended Lucian, Digory, and the rest of
The Culling
gang when no one had a clue who they were, and who have continually raved about the Torch Keeper series so that other readers might discover it and enter the dark worlds in my head. Hope this book settles the “Digory” questions. You guys ROCK!

My warmest thanks go out to my friends Adam Magee and his partner, Chad Michaels, for their encouragement and countless tweets, even before
The Culling
was ever released. ChAdam, Shantay, you STAY!

I also appreciate Frank Garcia and his partner Pedro Aguas including me in a full-page color spread in
What’s Happening Magazine
. Thanks guys! Next time, maybe I can have a centerfold?

Dawn Sorokin-Tschupp, you did a great job making my mug look presentable for my author photo. You must use a wand instead of a camera to work that kind of magic!

Thanks to Luis Contreras for featuring me in my very first YouTube videos, and helping to promote
The Culling
and the Torch Keeper series to the vast world of social media.

Extra shiny props to Keri Mcdaniel, whose selfless efforts are responsible for beaucoup sales of
The Culling
. Girl, I can’t tell you how much all you’ve done means to me and I hope to have you head up my marketing team some day!

And, as always, to my wonderful partner, Jeffrey Cadorette, who helps keep me grounded when things seem overwhelming. It’s always amazing what a little TLC can do.

About the Author

Steven dos Santos was born in New York City and moved to Florida at the tender age of five. He wrote his first book,
The Enchanted Prince
, when he was in second grade.

Steven has a BS in Communications but spent most of his career in law, even going to law school before realizing he wanted to be a writer.
The Sowing
is his second novel with Flux.

Visit the author at www.stevendossantos.com.