Nearly Found (26 page)

Writing is a solitary endeavor, but the creation of a book is a collaborative one. I am eternally thankful for the hands, hearts, and minds of those who helped me along the way.

For my agent, Sarah Davies, who is both my compass and my anchor. I would be lost without her wisdom, her guidance, and her passionate support.

For my editor, Kathy Dawson, who knows Nearly and Reece as well as I do, and continues to love them in spite of their flaws. Continued thanks to Claire, Lindsay, Regina, Nancy, and Vanessa. I am so grateful to the entire Penguin team for bringing my books to life.

For my devoted critique partners, Megan Miranda and Ashley Elston, who make me laugh even in my darkest hours and keep me grounded in the heart of my stories.

For the members of Bat Cave 2013, who generously shared ideas and feedback during the plotting and drafting of
Nearly Found
.

For The Lucky 13 and OneFour KidLit author communities, who have shared so much of this journey with me. It’s been fun holding hands along the way.

A great deal of research went into the creation of this story. I’ve taken some liberties in the name of fiction, but this mystery wouldn’t be as rich in details, both real and imagined, if not for the following people:

I am grateful to the faculty, staff, and sponsors of the Writers’ Police Academy. My experiences at WPA educate me, entertain me, and inspire me every year.

Special thanks to Deputy Rodney Walker of the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office for allowing me to ride along and indulging my many questions.

Thanks to John Griffin, Director of the Virginia Department of Forensic Science Northern Lab in Manassas, VA, and Patricia Jackson, for the informative tour and the real-life glimpse of forensic science behind the scenes.

My thanks to Lydia Kang for indulging my dark questions about chemical reactions, Kathleen Murphy-Morales for assisting with Spanish translation, and Holly Bryan for answering my many dubious legal questions.

My heartfelt thanks to the readers and fans. I am eternally grateful for the early support of the following
Nearly Gone
readers, whose endorsements meant so much to me: Megan Miranda, Megan Shepherd, Kimberly Derting, Jill Hathaway, and Kim Harrington.

To the June 2002 Moms who cheered me on from the beginning of this journey, all the way through it, to every “The End.”

Nearly Boswell would not exist if it weren’t for the encouragement of my parents, whose support allowed me the time and freedom to find myself and discover my stories.

For my sons, Nicholas and Connor, whose imaginations keep my mind young and my heart full.

Finally, for my husband, Tony. Our adventure is greater than any fiction I could imagine. I’m so, so lucky to share it with you.

Elle Cosimano grew up in suburban Washington, DC, the daughter of a maximum security prison warden and an elementary school teacher who rode a Harley. She annually attends the Writers’ Police Academy at Guilford Technical Community College, Department of Public Safety, to conduct hands-on research for her books.
Nearly Found
is the sequel to her highly praised debut novel,
Nearly Gone.
She lives with her husband and two sons in Mexico.

Learn more at www.ElleCosimano.com

@ElleCosimano

/ellecosimano

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