Arrows (25 page)
Authors: Melissa Gorzelanczyk
To my friends and beta readers: Tracy Anderson, Susan Gray Foster, Alexa Donne, Carmen Baumann, and Miranda Paul. Your comments have made this book sing. Your friendship is invaluable.
To Sharon Verbeten and Molly Senechal, two of my favorite librarians, who read some of my earlier work. Your support has meant so much.
To Nate Perrigoue, who brought up the idea of cupids in the first place.
To those who helped further my careers at TP Printing and Gannett. I appreciate the opportunities I was given.
To Angie Flanagan, who helped me get the dance parts right.
To the SCBWI, especially the Wisconsin chapter, for all the help and encouragement along the way. Special thanks to the family of Marsha Dunlap, whose memorial scholarship allowed me to attend my first Fall Retreat. I hope there is some satisfaction in knowing you helped me follow my dreams.
To Carrie Howland, my literary agent, who has been my perfect match since we met on Twitter. XOXO forever.
To Wendy Loggia, my editor, who believed in
Arrows
when it was a much different book. She has transformed this story into something I find very beautiful and honest. Just think: in a way, you’ve given me the world. How cool is that?
To everyone at Penguin Random House who has helped bring this story into the world, especially Stephanie Moss, Colleen Fellingham, Tamar Schwartz, and Mary McCue.
To Ray Shappell for this genius cover.
To anyone who’s ever felt lost loving someone who isn’t right for them. Here is a good place to take a stand. Because, no—physical, emotional, and verbal abuse are not okay. Being with someone who holds you back in life is not okay.
Luckily, you are stronger than you think. You are brave.
Your choices can change everything.
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