It feels extremely appropriate to do a curtain call for all of the people who are responsible for making this book, and Author Elizabeth, a reality.
Everybody at Scholastic for working behind the scenes on my books. A standing ovation for Erin Black, Elizabeth Parisi, Sheila Marie Everett, Tracy van Straaten, Bess Braswell, Emily Sharpe, Leslie Garych, Ruth Mirsky, Joy Simpkins, and all of the sales reps. I’m ready for a few more encores if you are!
Bravo to my friends who’ve helped me along the way. Jennifer Leonard for once again coming to the rescue with your reader comments. The lovely David Shannon for answering my art questions. Kirk Benshoff for making my website sparkle and shine. T. S. Ferguson for brainstorming so, so many possible titles. Natalie Thrasher for helping me stay semi-sane (no easy feat!).
It was my love of music and playing it throughout my life that led me to write this book. I’d like to thank my mom for paying for all those music lessons. My siblings (Eileen, Meg, and WJ) who didn’t make fun of me too much while I practiced. And, of course, my father, who had to put up with all of us. I’d also like to give a big shout-out to all of my music teachers through the years, especially Carol Larrabee, Michael Tentis (aka “T”), and the guys at the Guitar Bar in Hoboken (I still like to think I earned that Student of the Week award, and it wasn’t because I wore you down).
I’m inspired every day by music. So many of my favorite artists influenced this book, especially my magical friend Marketa Irglova for lifting the backstage curtain so I could see what it’s really like to be in a band, and the superb Gary Lightbody for his beautiful lyrics that helped me whenever I needed some motivation.
I’ve been fortunate to have so many author friends in my life, first as a publicist and now as an author. It means the world to me to have the support of wonderful and talented friends who understand that having voices in your head can be a good thing.
Finally, a bouquet of roses to all of the booksellers, librarians, and bloggers who have been so enthusiastic about my books. I’m truly honored and humbled by your support and hope we’ve got a long road ahead of us.