The End of the World (36 page)

Jessica Kirkland makes my life easier, saner, sharper, funner, organized-er…and all the other “er” words that aren’t really words but are fun to type. You took a chance on me four years ago, and I’m so incredibly glad you did. When I signed that agent/client agreement form back then, I had no idea I was actually signing up for one of my favorite friendships. Couldn’t do one minute of this without you. Wouldn’t want to.

Jen Jones and Tammy Gray, thanks for writing a book with me, for encouraging me, for feeding me brownies (Jen), for offering advice (Jen and Tammy), and for telling me what needs fixing (Tammy). I love knowing you both.

Rel Mollet, you’re such an encourager. Every time I have doubts about a book I think, “Well, at least maybe Rel might like it.” I’m well aware that could one day change, but whatever. I’ll worry about that later. Thanks so much for every kind word.

Kristin Avila, if you didn’t exist then neither would this book. Because there’s no way would I have published the mess I had written before you got ahold of it with your magic editing pen. Thank you for your brilliant and thorough work. Now, could you please come organize my life? I’ll pay you five dollars…

Kacie Young, you have such awesome proofreading skills and I couldn’t have made it without you. You’ve got a bright future ahead. Don’t let anyone dim it.

Kandra Young, one day we’re going to start that band in the old folk’s home, but let’s put it off a few decades, okay? We’re not THAT old yet, plus I still need to invest in singing lessons. I love and recognize your young-at-heart mindset. All the kids in the club said, “Who are those two super-cool moms?”

Peyton Wilson, if there’s anyone I can point to and think, “that’s what I wish I had been like when I was younger,” it’s you. You’re fearless and fierce, talented and humble, daring and kind, thoughtful and generous. That’s such a rare combination to find in a grown-up, not to mention a teenager. Follow your dreams, sweet girl. Actually, no—grab your dreams by the throat and make them follow you. I know you can do it, and I’ll believe in you always.

Alec Stockton, thank you for writing the poem that inspired this book.

Joy Francoeur and Stacy Henagan, you read and plot and tell me “no” and never get mad when I don’t listen to you. Your opinions mean the world to me, though sometimes it’s irritating when it seems like you’re better at coming up with ideas than I am. We’re now six books in. I need you for at least six more. Love you both.

Tracy and Emily, the best sisters a girl could have. It’s that plain and simple. I love you, and I couldn’t make it through life without you.

Mom and Dad, the best parents three strange but funny girls could have. Thanks for picking up the kids from school when I’m writing, for making dinner when I’m writing, for running kids to practices when I’m writing … There’s a theme here. I love you both.

Doug, Jackson, Lilly, Landon, and Rowan—you five are my life. Thank you for making it a great one. And kids, thanks for putting up with your mother on a deadline. It’s not always easy, but you always do it so beautifully. Now go clean your disgusting rooms, and someone pick up pizza again because I don’t have time to cook. I love you all.

And finally to my readers, the supporters of my dreams. You make all this possible, I am nothing without you, and I appreciate you all.

CHILD HELP USA – CHILD ABUSE REPORTING 1-800-4-A-CHILD

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The End of the World
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Other Books by Amy Matayo:

A Painted Summer

In Tune With Love

Sway

Love Gone Wild

The Wedding Game

Amy Matayo is the award winning author of
The Wedding Game
,
Love Gone Wild
,
Sway
,
In Tune With Love, and A Painted Summer.
She graduated with barely passing grades from John Brown University with a degree in Journalism. But don’t feel sorry for her—she’s super proud of that degree and all the ways she hasn’t put it to good use.

She laughs often, cries easily, feels deeply, and loves hard. She lives in Arkansas with her husband and four kids and is working on her next novel.

www.amymatayo

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@amymatayo

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