Dangerous Depths (The Sea Monster Memoirs) (36 page)

Acknowledgments

I’m a small fish in a big ocean of amazing people. Seriously, I have the best job in the world, but what makes it even better is the people who support and help me along the way. A
heartfelt thanks to all the usual suspects:

Mom, my #1 fan, you’re there for every step of every book. None of my stories would be a reality if it weren’t for your belief in me and your encouragement.

Dad, my personal Imagineer, thanks for all the advice and ideas, including the “giant lamprey” now known as soul suckers. This book’s dedication said it all.

John, my Peter Pan, for putting up with me, my musings, and my time-consuming dream on a daily basis. I love you more.

My beloved M-N-Ms: Megan, Natalie, and Marie...

Megan McBride, leave it to you to tell me to kill my darlings. And of course, I obeyed. I promise, some
day I will write you a romantic kraken story.

Natalie Bahm, we should meet for butterbeer more often. Play dates with you and your kids keep my imagination going full speed.

Marie Devers Jaskulka, two bits of your sage wisdom that always stay with me: 1.) Don’t be a serial series starter. 2.) Shut the F up and write. I’ll continue to do both.

M-N-M, you three have been there since the very beginning. I said it before and I’ll say it again, I would be lost without you.

Steve Graham, you deserve an award for your art skills, and for putting up with my endless requests. Thank you for making my books beautifully badass.

Melissa, Michelle, Diane, Becca, I can’t keep you gals straight anymore, but thanks for everything. Kidding. Sort of. But seriously...

Melissa Williams, you did it again. The cover is enchanting.

Michelle Davidson Argyle, thanks for holding my hand at the start of my publishing journey, and continuing to walk the path with me as a dear friend.

Diane Dalton, your editing skills continue to amaze me. This book is so much better because of you.

Becca Brown, for enthusiastically supporting my Hans Solo in carbonate decision
, and telling me when enough was enough with the unicorn jokes.

Magan Vernon, your text messages keep me going every day.
Keep calm and love our book boyfriends.

Becca Zeno, for cheering me on and inspiring me with your spirit and determination. I can’t wait to see your books published soon.

Sarah Kennedy, for the hauntingly beautiful song you wrote, sang, and recorded for this series. You are a shining, cherished star.

Krista, April, and Andrea, because I love you and I know you’ll read this. Thanks for being such supportive friends since way back when.

Emmaline, Rhett, and everyone at Rhemalda Publishing, thank you for giving me my start as an author. You’ll always hold a special place in my heart.

The Indelibles, you’re all rock stars and I treasure each of you.

And always, to my readers, I’d thank each of you individually if I could. I’m still reaching through these pages and hugging you. My gratitude still is, and always will be, deeper than the oceans.

Karen Amanda Hooper

Born and bred in Baltimore, Karen has been making up stories for as long as she can remember. In high school she discovered her passion for putting her thoughts onto paper, but it wasn’t until her late twenties that she wrote her first novel. Due to her strong Disney upbringing, she still believes in fairy tales and will forever sprinkle magic throughout all of her novels.

Karen is currently sunning and splashing arou
nd Florida with her two spoiled rescue dogs.

To learn more about Karen,

visit her website at

www.KarenAmandaHooper.com
.