Writing is such a challenging craft and requires resilience, leaving your ego at the door and having a willingness to listen to criticism, then acting on the advice of others who want to help. This project brought together a team of very willing supporters.
Anne and Michael Keaney never lost their passion for my writing and provided valued wisdom during early stages of the writing process. Patty Kavadias always looked forward to reading my first drafts and giving solid feedback and the occasional coffee. Phil Barresi and his fabulous wife Cate were always ready with advice and humour, and my brother Peter enjoyed the unique genre of the book. All these folks provided valuable feedback and support during the process and I also acknowledge Greg Pelgrave’s thoughtful feedback.
Writers Victoria provided a valuable service of manuscript assessment and I encourage any writer serious about getting their story out into the market to first use a similar service. It will help you – trust me.
The team at Ventura Press and Impact Press were very focused and professional with this project and it was a pleasure working with them again, especially founder Jane Curry, Zoe Hale, Megan English and Sophie Hodge.
Thanks to my colleagues at Yarraville writers’ group for their patience and enthusiasm displayed toward their own writing. It’s an absolute pleasure to learn from you all. For anyone who wants to write, I encourage you to join your local writing group. You may be surprised by what you learn.
Thanks also to the friendly Williamstown locals who give me so much pleasure, who bought my first book, some even reading it! I appreciate the positivity you provide, and I especially want to acknowledge Paul Tyrrell and his wife Denise for their support, spreading the word about the first episode of the Democracy trilogy, Deceit.
I would also like to thank the many readers and fans of the first episode that have contacted me with their positive feedback and I hope this next installment answers your questions.
Thanks also to my extended family, especially the matriarchs Margaret Ann and Lynne – I appreciate you all for your support. Finally, I thank my wife Julia, and my children Anthony, Kaitlyn and Taylor for providing my life with so much wonder.