Ryan Graudin - All That Glows

Many more loved it through all of its awkward growth spurts: my amazing critique partner, Kate Armstrong, who rescued the second draft from a jerky prince and moist kisses; my college professor, Trish Ward, who answered my small mountain of emails asking for Old English translations; my agent, Alyssa Henkin, who dug this manuscript from the bottom of the slush and took a chance on it; my editor, Alyson Day, who took the diamond I’d already pulled from the rough and polished it even more; Wendy Higgins, who sustained me through revisions with lots of advice and digital chocolate.

There are also many, many people who helped me grow from a writer into an author. Those who were there at my birth: my mom and dad, who taught me the power of faith and chasing my dreams, and who didn’t freak out when I chose to spend their money on a creative writing degree.

Many more loved me through all of my awkward growth spurts: my writing teachers—Rene Miles, Marjory Wentworth, and Bret Lott—who showed me the strength of words and how to wield them; my friends and family all over the world, who challenge me to new heights every day; my brothers, Jacob and Adam, who accompanied me on imaginary adventures and let me kill them off with sword-sticks in the backyard; my husband, David, who goes on real-life adventures with me. Who shares my soul-tie.

And over it all: God, the giver of stories and life, who has blessed me with so much of both. Soli Deo Gloria.

RYAN GRAUDIN has been a case study for wanderlust ever since her first trip to London. She lives with her husband in Charleston, South Carolina, and is always searching for the next adventure. Visit her online at ryangraudin.blogspot.com or on Twitter @ryangraudin.

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