Acknowledgments

My name may be on the front cover of this book, but the book wasn't written by a single person—writing it required the support of the population of a small village. Not only would this book never have made it to the shelves without their help, but it is a much better book than it would have been without their unfailing generosity.

So, in order of appearance, I would like to express my gratitude to the following people:

First, my family: my husband, Mark Riordan, who for some obscure reason remains convinced that I can do anything; my father, Harlow Wright, for making me believe it just might be true; and most of all my mother, Diana Wright, for seeing to it that I kept laughing no matter what happened.

Mike Mee, who first told me this book was a good idea and was kind enough to write the Foreword.

Eric Stroo, who managed to keep his patience with a disorganized and appallingly undisciplined first-time author.

The individuals who were kind enough to read my scribbles in their early stages and give me the benefit of their great expertise: Dev Ashish, Jim Ferguson, Kim Jacobson, and Annette Marc.

Alice Turner, my wonderful editor, who understood what I had set out to do, shined light on my obscurities, gave my meanderings structure, and still found time to provide moral support above and beyond the call of duty.

Rob Nance, who managed to turn a bunch of scribbled sketches into finished illustrations.

Keri Hardwick, who came to my rescue at the eleventh hour. A friend in need…

I would also like to thank the regular contributors to the comp.databases.ms-access newsgroup, whose patience, generosity, and technical wizardry never cease to amaze me.

Finally, let me go on record: THE MISTAKES ARE MINE.

Thank you all,
Rebecca Riordan