The Rule of Threes, Marcy Campbell [short novels to read .TXT] 📗

Acknowledgments

Like Maggie, I also have a flying pig. She’s made of iron and sits on my office windowsill. I bought her a long time ago, when I was ready to give up on my dream of publishing a novel, and needed a visual reminder to keep trying.

I sent a similar pig to my extraordinary agent, Steven Malk, when this book sold. Steve took a chance on a writer with a single picture book rough draft to her name, and I am forever grateful. I’m so glad he said, in our very first conversation, “You should really consider writing a novel.” Thank you to Steve and his team at Writers House, especially Hannah Mann and Andrea Morrison, for their smart and thoughtful editorial feedback through numerous drafts.

My editor at Chronicle Books, Taylor Norman, was a dream to work with, and her vision took this book places I’d never thought possible. She’s an absolute master of constructive criticism, so good, in fact, that I’m not sure I’ve ever worked so hard while smiling so big.

A huge thank-you to Mariam Quraishi for her beautiful book design, and to the whole team at Chronicle for getting my first novel out into the world, especially Mary Duke, Claire Fletcher, Diane Joao, Andie Krawczyk, Margo Winton Parodi, Kaitlyn Spotts, and Eva Zimmerman.

Thanks to Yasmin Imamura who created a stunner of a cover that so wonderfully captures the tension in the book.

My “walking workshops” with Yvette Benavides and Lisa Sharon gave me the confidence to pursue this book when it was just a few notes. I’m also grateful to all the friends who provided keys to their homes when I needed a quiet place to work, especially John and Lee Ann Eyre.

So many friends have encouraged me when the writing wasn’t going so well (and celebrated with me when it was!), especially Danni Schantz and Amy Jo Stavnezer, my “egghead” sisters.

Chelsea Churpek, Marlane Kennedy, and Laura Sirot provided tremendous insight and suggestions to make this book stronger. Thank you.

My family is forever indulgent of my decorating whims and never complains when I rearrange the furniture while they are out of the house. My husband, Rick, and children, Lily and Whit, are my first readers, always. A special thanks to Lily and Whit, who were so helpful in correcting my mistakes depicting middle school. Any remaining errors are mine. So happy to celebrate each success with you, no matter how small (“To the car!”).

Lastly, to all the amazing people creating children’s literature who have inspired my own children, and all of us, to be better humans. It’s an honor and privilege to be part of this community.

Ericka Karazsia

Marcy Campbell loves to redecorate, when she’s not writing. Like Maggie, she also enjoys collecting objects to display, especially cool rocks, shells, and feathers. Her award-winning picture book Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse was an Indie Next Top 10 Pick and a Junior Library Guild selection, and has been translated into eight languages. Marcy lives in Ohio with her three favorite people in the world, plus three cats, and a lovable dog named Turtle. This is her first novel. Visit her at marcycampbell.com.