Acknowledgements

Poison Study

Maria V. Snyder

Acknowledgements

Without the support of my husband, Rodney, this book wouldn't exist.

Thanks, dear, for all the printing, the copying, the critiquing, the willingness to

be a single parent from time to time, for not complaining about conference fees,

for being there when the rejections came in, and the million other things that I

don't have room to list! To my children, Luke and Jenna, for understanding

(most of the time) that I'm not playing on the computer (really, I'm not). To my

parents, James and Vincenza McGinnis, thank you for always believing in me.

To my sister, Karen Phillips, for reading the book and for giving me the support

that only a sister can give. To Chris Phillips for his good ideas, and for putting

up with all of us. And I can't forget the babysitters: Sam and Carole Snyder,

Becky and Randy Greenly, Amy Snyder, Gregory Snyder, Melissa Read and

Julie Read—without you I would still be on Chapter Two.

Many thanks go to my fellow Muse and Schmooze critique group members:

Shawn Downs, Laurie Edwards, Julie Good, Lisa Hess, Anne Kline, Steve

Klotz, Maggie Martz, Lori Myers, Kim Stanford, Jackie Werth, Michael Wertz,

Judy Wolfman and Nancy Yeager. Without your help and support this book

wouldn't have made it this far.

A heartfelt thanks to Helen French. She made the call I had been dreaming

of, and her enthusiasm for this project has been wonderful. Thanks to Mary-

Theresa Hussey, who has been an excellent editor. Thanks to my agents, Sally

Wecksler and Joann Amparan-Close, for helping with the contract. Phil

Heffernan, who did the cover art, thank you for making it perfect.

Very special thanks go to Alis Rasmussen, who took the time to read and

critique my manuscript. Your advice was truly invaluable.

To my husband, Rodney, for all the support he has given, is giving and will

give. I'm spoiled rotten.