Writing careers in general, and the
writing of novels in particular, can be accurately, if somewhat
unromantically, likened to rolling large boulders uphill. Sometimes
the writer needs a little help, and if we’re very lucky, people
come along at opportune moments and not only offer a word of
encouragement, but actually put their shoulder to the boulder and
help us to move it forward. I have been that lucky, and owe thanks
to many people—friends, family, and colleagues—for the existence of
this book. So special and grateful thanks to all of the
following:
To Barney Downhill, without whose
faith and generosity I couldn’t have been a writer. To my agent Al
Zuckerman, the quintessential pro, whose unfailing instincts culled
this story out of the rockpile. To my editor, Jennifer Enderlin,
for her constant enthusiasm for this project, her hard work, good
cheer, and impeccable editorial judgment. To Laton McCartney, for
years of wise council and boundless optimism. To Jon Williams,
whose early turn at this particular boulder encouraged me to
continue pushing. To Bob Wallace, who gave me my first magazine
assignment almost twenty years ago, and, remarkably, stepped back
into my professional life once again as editor in chief just in
time to oversee this much-belated “first” novel. To Bonny Hawley
and Douglas Tate, for invaluable insights and information on
British place, name, and character. To Laurie Morrow, for her
precise woman’s perspective on the subject of romantic attraction.
To Rev. Rolland W. Hoverstock, for critical information about the
Episcopal church and ceremonies circa 1875. To Sister Thérèse de la
Valdène, for providing always cherished retreats at Dogwood Farms,
and to Guy de la Valdène, for wonderful dinners and a large vote of
confidence when it was most needed. Finally, thanks to Dillon for
cheerfully occupying over the past fifteen years the nearly always
thankless role of writer’s spouse.
While the author acknowledges the help
and support of all of the above people in the creation of this
novel, he accepts full responsibilities for any of its
shortcomings.
Five percent of the author’s royalties earned on the sale of One Thousand White Women will be donated to the St. Labre Indian School, Ashland, Montana 59004.