a rockin’ roller coaster, Dahlink, and I hope it goes on many more books and years!
To Nick and my boys, Thomas, Alec, and Collin: You inspire my sick humor; be glad, it helped sell this book. Thanks for always asking how it’s going and telling everyone “my mom’s a writer.” And no, no one’s getting a Ferrari.
To my mother, grandmother, sister, and (miss you!) dad: most of you read my stuff, even when it was stinky! Everyone needs a cheerleading squad, and that’s all of you! But please don’t wear the little skirts. Thanks.
To my editor Brian Farrey and the team at Flux—Steven Pomije, Sandy Sullivan, and Courtney Colton: smart move! I promise to listen to most of your advice and work hard to make you glad you chose Sirenz.
To my agent Natalie Fischer: you recognized my late-budding genius. Now we just have to work on selling those other novels.
To all the friends: the other two of the Writing Wenches Fourum, Yvonne Ventresca and Elisa Roland; to Kathy Temean and Laurie Wallmark at NJ-SCBWI; to the Bunco Gals, and so many other family and friends along the way; not forgotten, but not enough space to thank you all, love ya. And if I’m ever really famous, please don’t give up my dark secrets. Or I’ll put you in my next book.
Natalie Zaman
There are so many people who played a part in bringing Sirenz into the world.
Super huge thanks to the NJ-SCBWI—without the existence of this fabby group of writers and friends, Char and I would never have met. A never-ending hug to RA Extraordinaire Kathy Temean, who works tirelessly to make sure every member of our chapter is given an opportunity to show, improve, and sell his or her work. Lyn Sirota—how can I thank you for suggesting that I join Char’s critique group? Thanks bunches to Leeza Hernandez and Anita Nolan for helping us get the word out about Sirenz through Sprouts—the best SCBWI regional newsletter (IMHO). Ame Dyckman, who supported my projects big and small—love you! (And you still owe me an ice cream trip.) Susan Heyboer O’Keefe, good friend and—whether you were aware or not (you are now)—mentor and role model. Where would I be without my Writing Wenches? To the ladies of the WWF—Char, Elisa Roland, and Yvonne Ventresca—I only hope I can offer you the same support you’ve given me.
To Sr. Natalie, Mr. Curcio, and Ms. Latschar, thank you for instilling in me a love of reading and writing. Sr. Brigid Brady, Dr. Colette Lindroth, and much-missed Dr. Muriel Dollar—I carry your warmth, wit, and wisdom with me always. I am beyond fortunate to know Joelyn Melzl, Darlene Fraulo, Mari Cifone, Janeen Miller, Dawn Zerfass, and Suna—thank you for your boundless excitement, enthusiasm, and support for me and my projects. And of course, mega-thanks to the countless fellow writers, conference attendees, friends, and editor and agent mentors who read and reread the many incarnations of Sirenz and gave their suggestions, advice, and insights.
I will always be grateful for the fabulous staff at Flux for taking a chance on us, and to our agent, Natalie (!) Fischer, who made my decade when she said she enjoyed Sirenz as a reader. Thank you to my editor Brian Farrey for making Sirenz really sing and for helping me to hone my craft; I am a better writer for having worked with you. Without Sandy Sullivan, who caught, well, everything, this book wouldn’t be the sparkly thing that it is—you’re the best! Thanks to Steven Pomije and and Courtney Colton for telling the world about Sirenz and listening to our ideas. Our bright, eye-catching, and uber-fun cover is the work of Lisa Novak—thanks for making us stand out in a crowd!
Jane Reed Wilson, I never thought that I would enjoy having my photo taken, but somehow you changed that—TY! Marissa Miller—thank you for being our guinea pig. And to the best nephew ever, Jesse Davidson, thank you for sharing your time and talent for our little book.
Moo, Mert, Wink (Asim, Mari, and Vincent, respectively; the world should know you by your real names rather than the loony ones I call you), and Mom, there aren’t words enough to thank you for always believing in me. And Raz—how do you properly thank someone for putting his dreams aside so that you can chase after yours? I love you.
And last but not least, thanks, Char, for letting me sit around your house that summer—you know, the one where you said, “Hey, we can do that!” and then we started writing that story … Thank you, dahlink, for sharing your amazing talent, your home, your time, your patience (perching!), and most of all your friendship with me. My life is sweeter because you are in it. xxxDimps
About the Authors
Charlotte Bennardo
A moderate shoe freak, Charlotte Bennardo divides her time between writing, her three sons, writing, her family and friends—and writing. When she’s not wearing out her laptop keyboard, she likes to swim, garden, play with her cat, and hang out with her best friend and co-author, Natalie. Married, she lives in Bridgewater, New Jersey. Visit Charlotte online at http://charlotteebennardo.blogspot.com.
Natalie Zaman
Natalie Zaman learned that it’s hard—but not impossible—to farm in high heels. When she’s not chasing free-range chickens, she’s writing, or plotting a road trip. She lives in New Jersey with her family—about five minutes from Charlotte. Visit her online at http://nataliezaman.blogspot.com.
Table of Contents
Cover
Title Page
Copyright Information
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Acknowledgments
About the Authors