First and foremost, I have to thank my husband, Leigh. If it wasn’t for him, not only would this book not exist, but none of them would. If it wasn’t for him, in fact, I would not be a writer at all.
My family, too (the Lovells and the Gordons), must be thanked for the simple fact that they are every bit as awesome as the family in this book. My dad wrote me the first stories I loved, stories set in Tasmania. I write because of him and for him. My mum surrounded me with books growing up and made them my family. My new Gordon family have read my stories and shared them around the world, and I will be forever grateful for their love and acceptance.
Nanette Halliday was my agent when I began writing this novel. She was my agent from the beginning, but she was more than ‘just’ an agent. She was my mentor, my voice of reason, my confidante, my cheer squad. I miss having her as my agent. I hope I’ll always have her as my friend. I am very glad to have Brian Cook in my corner as my new agent from this book forwards!
Nansi and Sam, my little critterbugs, this is for you, too. You are talented. You are kind. You are fabulous.
Mr Hiller, in your navy-blue jumper, with that amazing world inside your head, thank you for being the inspiration for this story. I’ve been lucky enough to have many phenomenal teachers in my life. Two of them stand out above the rest. My high school English teacher, Mr Wilson, was one of them. He taught me to write. You taught me to imagine.
Jodie and Elise, what would I have done without you two? Editors are the best of people, and you are the best of editors. I am so proud to be part of your Onion family and so grateful to have your wisdom, kindness and support in this crazy, wonderful business called writing.
Arts Tasmania, wow, what would I have done without you? Tassie is such a lucky, lucky place to have such a dedicated organisation working to assist and promote its arts scene, and I am so very grateful for all the help you’ve given me in my career so far. I wouldn’t have a career without you!
Lastly, my Tiger. Ever since you came into this world, everything I have done has been for you. This is no exception. You are the cat’s pyjamas, sweetheart. I hope you read this one day and are proud of your mummy.
Oh, and you lovely, lovely people who read these stories? You, each of you, are beautiful and inspiring and magic. I am so indebted to you all. Thank you all. You make my world.