If this book has a fairy godmother, she is Molly Lindley Pisani. Molly, your contributions are too numerous to list here, but I won’t ever forget them. You made magic happen. Bibbidi-bobbidi-book.
Thank you everyone who read an early draft and provided invaluable feedback: Trent Vernon, Wende Crowley, Katherine Lippa, Marcy Natkin, Susan Wiernusz, Laura Rowley, Brianna Sinon Rowley, April Wexler, Travis McCann, Lindsey McCann, Jill Bernstein, and Kristin Peterson. Additionally, this book has many friends, and they include Derrick Abrenica, Sven Davison, Malina Saval, Harlan Gulko, Sam Rowley, Evan Roberts, Cara Hancock Slifka, Steve Lekowicz, Ryan Quinn, Kyle Cummings, Elissa Dauria, and Barry Babok.
My entire life, my parents, Norman Rowley and Barbara Sonia, have given me nothing short of their full support, encouragement, enthusiasm, and love. They championed this book and embraced its weirdness, even when it was tough to read. I thank you both.
Tilda, you had big shoes to fill. Thank you for being exactly who you are.
Evelyn, Emmett, Harper, Elias, and Graham, being your uncle is one of the great joys of my life. Please don’t ever stop loving books, as they will take you everywhere.
Finally, a heartfelt thank-you to Byron Lane, who read a short story entitled “The Octopus” and said, “I love it! Now go write chapter two.” You were my first reader and my last. Your insight, passion, honesty, ardent margin notes, and gung ho enthusiasm simply gave this book life. All the lessons Lily taught me about love? I hope to spend a lifetime living them with you.
About the Author
Steven Rowley has worked as a freelance writer, newspaper columnist, and screenwriter. Originally from Portland, Maine, he is a graduate of Emerson College. He currently resides in Los Angeles with his boyfriend and their dog. Lily and the Octopus is his first novel. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @mrstevenrowley.
