The Street Rat is something I’ve been thinking about and tinkering with for almost a decade. Without the help, input, and encouragement of a handful of people, it would have never been published.
My wife, Taylor, was the first person to read Eddie’s story. Without her encouragement and feedback when I first began to fully put The Street Rat to paper in 2020, I never would have followed through on publishing these stories.
My friends, Bronson and Taylor, were the next people to read Eddie’s story and gave me feedback that brought, not only Sanders, but the entire world that these stories take place in to life. Their interest in wanting to learn more about the characters and the story helped me believe there really was an audience for this story.
My friends, Ashlyn and Nick, have supported and encouraged me throughout this journey and have always created space for me to workshop ideas with stories, marketing, the website, and so much more. I would not have been able to sort through all of the variables that go into releasing these stories without their friendship and help.
Without my editors, Samantha Pico and Kritinia, this story wouldn’t have been published. They were instrumental in refining and polishing this work to a place that I could publish the stories with confidence that the writing was readable and enjoyable.
Lastly, I want to acknowledge the wonderful organizations working here in Central Oklahoma to support our unhoused neighbors. Bridges, City Care, Curbside Chronicle, the Homeless Alliance, Pivot, and many more organizations are working to provide housing first support, groceries, employment assistance, recovery opportunities, and everything else needed to transition out of homelessness in a way that treats each person with the dignity and respect they deserve. Look for the organizations near you doing this life-saving and life-changing work and find out how you can support their mission.
K. B. Kirtley 