I actually wrote two novels, and I didn’t love them—my heart just wasn’t in the writing. Then my friend Liz Stein made a suggestion that changed everything. “Why don’t you write about what happened after Dry?” Her husband, Luke Dempsey, immediately agreed. I realized this was exactly what I wanted to write, and that’s important: I wanted to write. Somehow, with their fresh insight, words of encouragement, and wonderful friendship, Liz and Luke have nurtured and inspired me, and I am deeply grateful. I am also grateful to Kate Mulgrew, whose generosity, friendship, and amazing home cooking have been such blessings. Taylor Schilling came into my life at exactly the right moment, all 20,000 watts of her, full of life and intelligence and vulnerability; she has become utterly priceless to me. Anne Bobby has been both a loyal friend and a spectacular source of entertainment through her gorgeous voice, and I am so lucky to know her. My beautiful, brilliant cousins, Leigh and Meridith, remind me constantly of the importance of family, as does my wonderful family-in-law.
