Acknowledgments
Here we are again, at the end of another book and the beginning of my typical procrastination. This is where I struggle to find the words for a proper farewell.
I’ll sit here for a while, staring at a blank page meant to be filled with my acknowledgments while desperately clinging to the remains of this story.
Because, in truth, I cannot imagine a world in which I didn’t dare to create this one. Paedyn and Kai hold more than my heart, they clutch my passion between these pages, cradle the little girl who had big dreams of becoming an author.
This series has been so gentle with me as I’ve grown into myself and my writing —I only hope to repay the favor by doing this finale justice.
Writing Fearless at the age of twenty-one was one of the most daunting ventures I’ve faced in my young career. This book challenged me, my writing, my sanity (kidding—kind of!). In fact, I have been dreading this bittersweet farewell since the publication of Powerless—only then I never dreamed of having the privilege to continue writing for so many people. I was (and still am) equally honored and terrified by all the anticipation surrounding this release. The pressure I felt to appease every reader, to write the perfect finale, weighed heavy atop a story born in my childhood bedroom for myself alone. But Fearless forced me to push aside all the noise, all my worry, and simply write the conclusion I always envisioned for this series. In its own (albeit sappy) way, this book taught me to embody its title. What a beautiful thing, the creator being molded by their creation. And I hope you, too, dear reader, have walked away from this series more powerful, reckless, and blazingly fearless than before.
Now it’s time to bring my procrastination, and this chapter of my life, to an end. There are so many incredible individuals who helped me make it to this
acknowledgment page in the first place. But it only seems right to begin my gushing gratitude with the two incredible editors who made this book what it is.
Nicole Ellul and Yasmin Morrissey never fail to amaze me. This duo is one to be reckoned with—their constant support and invaluable input has shaped this series into something I am immensely proud of. Nicole, your insight and readiness to jump to my aid is not taken lightly. You are my designated left brain!
Thank you for grounding me when my head is in the clouds—this book would look very different without your brilliance. As for Yas, you are the bravest of souls for putting up with my rambling voice memos and stubborn self-criticism.
There is never a dull moment with the two of us—I love scheming up new ideas with you! I so appreciate how gentle and supportive you’ve been with me since the moment I stepped into this crazy publishing world. I’m honored to work alongside the both of you (and have your numbers on speed dial).
As I’ve bragged about before, I have the privilege of working with not one, but two incredible Simon & Schuster teams. This has allowed me to build relationships with so many wonderful people across the globe, and I am forever awed by the delicacy in which the UK and US teams handle my work—their care and dedication is commendable.
That said, I will begin spewing my admiration for the team closest to me (geographically speaking, of course). There are several individuals from the US crew that I have the honor to thank, starting with Justin Chanda and Anne Zafian as my two publishers. As for Nicole Russo and Anna Elling, we all have you to thank for the amazing US tours and every surreal opportunity to share my book. Erin Toller, Brendon MacDonald, and Shannon Pender do a fabulous job in marketing while Kendra Levin, Jenica Nasworthy, and Jessica Egan manage all things editorial. With Chava Wolin as production manager, Lucy Cummins as art director, and Hilary Zarycky as designer, I am in very good hands. Thank you for everything you do.
As for the UK team, you all deserve a crushing hug I can’t currently give from Detroit, so it seems I’ll have to settle for a general thank-you. Rachel Denwood and Laura Hough—my managing directors—thank you for all your hard work.
Danielle Wilson has championed my work with UK retailers while Loren Catana, my in-house designer, came up with the gorgeous cover design for
Fearless. Thank you to Alex Forrest—my illustrator; Alesha Bonser—my marketing director; and Miya Elkerton—my digital marketing manager. Finally, Ellen Abernethy as my wonderful publicist and Sophie Storr as senior production controller. Thank you to every other member of this team who made Fearless possible.
By now, I’m sure you’re quite sick of reading my ramblings and would instead like to stare at the gorgeous artwork displayed at the front of this book.
Patrick Knowles, thank you for bringing my world to life!
To my unflinching attorney-agent, Lloyd Jassin, I must give my obvious gratitude. Thank you for helping navigate me through this world of publishing —I cannot imagine tackling any of this without you. You are a pleasure to work with, and I hope to continue doing so for many years to come.
Besides the incredible S&S teams who helped assemble Fearless, there are several others at work behind the scenes. And I happen to be related to those individuals. Firstly, I can humbly admit that none of these dreams would have come true if it weren’t for my parents. Mom and Dad, I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it yet again—you have supported me every step of the way and believed in me when I found it hard to believe in myself. Thank you for trusting your little girl enough to let her pursue this passion. I am so blessed to have you both, but especially a mother who happily juggles being my confidant, assistant, and bookkeeper.
Being the runt of the family, I suppose there are a few older siblings to acknowledge. Jessie, Nikki, Josh—you have all supported me in your own ways.
I deeply appreciate every encouraging text and proverbial pat on the back.
Thank you, Foos.
Aside from my family, it was my friends who ensured I stayed sane during this writing process. I would like to give a general thank-you to every person who had to put up with me rambling about this book. Each of you have helped and encouraged me in your own way, and I am eternally grateful for your unending support.
Now on to the daunting task of attempting to express my admiration for a certain fiancé. Zac, I cannot thank you enough for your encouragement and
willingness to help. Whether it’s cooking me a meal or offering a shoulder to cry on, I can always rely on your comfort. Thank you for being exactly what I need.
As stated in the back of Powerless and every book following, I’d like to thank the One who gifted me my love of words and the desire to write. I truly would not be where I am today without my Lord and Savior, and I thank God for the opportunity He has given me.
Now to thank the very, very many people who made my dreams possible.
That would be you, dear reader! I am honored to be on this journey together, and even more so that you took the time to read my story. You are my inspiration, my reason for every word. And I hope to hold your attention for many years to come.
Here’s to more dreams, and the stories they create.
XO, Lauren
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Powerless Reckless
Book 2
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