First and foremost, I would like to thank my incredible agent, Hayley Steed. Hayley, without your guidance, support and calming influence, I’d be lost at times. This book is the first in our journey together, and because of you, I feel there has been a shift in my writing process. Here’s to many, many more! And to the team at Madeleine Milburn Agency, thank you for having me as part of the wonderful family.
I would like to thank my editors, Dominic Wakeford, who worked with me developing Dark Corners, for asking the tough questions and helping me open up Neve’s story, and to Katie Seaman, who has helped me finalise the journey and bring Dark Corners to life as a book. I hope you know how much I value your ideas, suggestions and energy. And thank you to Victoria Moynes and Jon Appleton – your tireless efforts in making Dark Corners as good as it can be will never be forgotten. I’m truly honoured to have such support.
Lisa Milton, I’m blessed to be a part of the HQ family, and I’m truly grateful to you.
Another thank you is needed to my lovely writer buddies who keep me going through the tough times. So, in no particular order: John Marrs, Louise Jensen, Phoebe Morgan, Lisa Hall, Sarah Bennett, Nicci Cloke – thanks guys. You’re all blooming legends in my eyes and I feel blessed to be around so many incredibly talented people. Also, thank you to every writer I’ve spoken with over the past year. I’ve not worked in an environment where people are so lovely, kind, supportive and nurturing before.
To Tracy Fenton and the team of FaceBook’s, The Book Club (TBC), you are champions of so many writers, I feel blessed to be one of them. Thank you.
To Wendy Clarke and The Fiction Café Book Club. Thank you for your support and generosity. You have been such champions of the work I do since I first popped up with Our Little Secret, I will always be grateful to the club.
The same thank you needs to be said to the Bertie Arms Book Club. My visits have now become a part of my identity as an author. I cannot wait to share Dark Corners with you all.
To my friends, Darren Maddison, John Shields, Babs and Steve Burton, the Futter’s, the Kelly’s, Richard Taylor, Stephen Gildersleve, Catherine and Tony Mayer and Faye Reeves. Without knowing, your interest, questions and support have helped me not lose sight of the story I really wanted to tell.
A massive thank you needs to be said to the people of New Clipstone. When I visited to research the mine that Dark Corners is inspired by, you were gracious with your stories, and shared more than I could have hoped for.
To you, the readers. The support you have shown and kind words you have shared has been overwhelming and wonderful, without the retweets, posts in book clubs and word of mouth discussions I wouldn’t be in the place where I am now.
To my family, especially Helen, you ride this roller-coaster with me, and are there for all of the good bits, and all of the challenges. The ride wouldn’t be the same without you.
Finally, to Ben. I’ve said this more than once, but I need to say it again. Without you there would be no motivation, no determination and no inspiration. I will forever try to repay you for this.