The Curse of the Blessed

Author's Note and Acknowledgements

I think it's funny how a small occurrence can have a huge impact on our lives. The butterfly effect—right? It's everywhere.

I wrote the first chapter of this book on a whim, and then I spontaneously decided to post it on Wattpad, because my author-hero—Chloe Gong—had gotten her writer's start while posting things on Wattpad. I wouldn't have known about Chloe Gong without my cousin, who let me borrow a book and told me the author had been a teenager when it had been published. Many thanks to that cousin, by the way. She'll probably never read these amateur scribblings of mine, but still, even though we have our differences, she's changed my life in ways I'll never be brave enough to tell her.

This book was haphazardly scraped together and filled with a bunch of ideas I'd been stewing over for quite some time: a girl who can control the vultures, a boy who can bring his drawings to life, magic musical instruments, a ship made of clouds that sailed the sky... They all lived rent-free in my head for so long, and it is absolutely crazy that I'm showing them to other people now. People who I've never even met in real life.

I just finished editing the Epilogue, so, as you can probably tell, I have all the feels. And they are crazy. I've finished books before, but I've never felt this ecstatic about it.

So thank you, you beautiful readers, for allowing me to show you this strange little part of my mind for a while. Thank you for letting me take you on this journey. I'm still learning my craft, and the road was probably a bit bumpy at times—especially since I was still learning how to use time well and have consistent chapter updates—but you read this anyway.

Also, thank you to the people who were kind to me during my depression-spurred hiatus, and who welcomed me back with open arms: @KatieKeridan, @AlexandraLing2000, @Stellaric, and @SevenDarkEnds. Your patience and understanding made me feel a thousand times better about taking the time I needed to recover. I'll probably never meet you, but if I somehow do, and if it's okay with you, you're in for a big hug.

To my mom, who will also never read this: sorry I showed my writing to all these strangers before I showed it to you. I needed time. And the book wasn't quite done yet, so I didn't want to leave you on another cliffhanger.

To my dad: thank you for giving me the time to write in a quiet place. I love you.

To my stepmom, who helped talk me through my first panic attack, with my dad's help. And to the lady on the river in Colorado who let me raft my kayak with hers when I had a panic attack there and was seriously considering taking a monster hike just to avoid any more boating.

To my best friends, Bethany and Tia, who have helped me through a lot of stuff and taught me so much: You guys are the best. I swear I'm going to get the two of you to meet each other someday.

To my new friends, Peyton and Lindsey. It was on a trip back from kayaking with you guys when I thought of the idea for a boat in the clouds. You guys are a blast. Rock nerds and uncontrollable laughter forever.

There are so many other people I'm forgetting. If you're one of them, I apologize. My memory has never been the best.

To the kids who struggle through panic attacks and social anxiety and depression, and the close-minded ideas of people who think they should be able to push through with no trouble whatsoever: you are seen. My DMs are always open, and though I can't promise to reply quickly, I'll do whatever I'm able to help you. I hope I've given you a worthy hero in Fyra.

And finally, to God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I don't know if anyone here shares my belief—probably a few of you do, in one way or another—but without him, none of this would be possible. Thank you for giving me the ability to write these stories.