Rising Tide (41 page)

The idea, of course, built on
Falling Sky
, which owes a lot to my Clarion West classmates and instructors, so thanks again to everyone.

Extra-special thanks are due to everyone who gave me feedback in the late stages of the book—Matthew Kressel, David Rivera, Eugene Myers, Devin Poore, Tracy Harford, Pamela Rentz, and Pritpaul Bains—your feedback was invaluable. Thank you for doing so much in such a short time.

Super-extra-special thanks (like with a cape and everything) to Jim Stewart, who gifted me with a handful of brilliant, inspired ideas that took the book to the next level.

Thanks to the people at Pyr, who had to make due with difficult circumstances and who were understanding when the road became a little rocky.

Thanks, also, to Barry Goldblatt and Patricia Ready, my not-so-secret agenting team, for doing what you do so well.

I have always wanted a writing cabin, and while I still don't have one, Bobby Pilles and Jonathon Hays gave me the next best thing, a haven in which to wrap up the novel. Thank you both for being such great hosts. If Woodstock was where the idea for this book was born, Saratoga was where it became an adult.

Thank you, also, to beer, my ever-stalwart companion. Thanks to Barcade in Jersey City, to Strong Place and Bar Great Harry in Brooklyn, and to various Starbucks cafés across New Jersey.

But most importantly, this novel would not have taken shape—would not have even existed—without the love and support (and somewhat-infuriating almost-always-rightness) of Elisabeth Jamison. Darling, you gardened the hell out of this one—from the first seed of the idea to its final, blooming stage. You asked the right questions and gave the right answers. I'm sorry for making the process so difficult, but I am indebted to you for your input. You are my love, and you are my light. Thank you for everything.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

R
ajan Khanna is a writer, narrator, and blogger who fell in love with airships at an early age. His short stories, narrations, and articles have appeared in various markets, both in print and online. He currently lives in New York City.
Falling Sky
was his first novel. Visit him at his website,
www.rajankhanna.com
; find him on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/rajankhanna
; or follow him on Twitter
@rajanyk.

Photo by Ellen B. Wright