Writing a novel can be a fairly isolating activity, but I’m lucky to have a brilliant network of people who all play a part in getting it over the finish line and into the hands of my readers.
Selwa Anthony is always first on my list to thank because without her my stories would still be languishing in a dusty bottom drawer. Selwa does so much to help me, I feel very blessed to have her in my life. She’s been my rock in hard times, and is always there to inspire and counsel, and I love her dearly for that.
I would also like to thank my steadfast crew at Simon & Schuster Australia, who always go out of their way to look after me. Larissa Edwards who saw the spark in my first novel, I’m forever grateful. Dan Ruffino for his faith in this book. My dear friend Anna O’Grady, a fellow bushwalker and camper, who always takes such care with detail and with getting my books noticed. Many thanks as well to the hard working sales team who really get behind my books and always do such an excellent job.
Special thanks to my editor Roberta Ivers who is always so generous with her time and expertise. I’ve learned more from Bert about writing than from a mountain of how-to books. She always works incredibly hard to get my story to its best, and I’m so grateful to her for everything she does. She is absolutely a treasure.
I’m hugely indebted to my copyeditor Claire de Medici and proofreader Clara Finlay for their skill and hard work. Thanks as well to my patient typesetters who, for this novel, have gone far beyond the call of duty. And many thanks to Christa Moffitt for her beautiful cover artwork, which has turned each of my books into a delicious treat.
My overseas publishers, especially Goldmann in Germany, Presses de la Cité in France, and Penguin Random House in Spain, who believe in my books and put so much thought and love into getting them out there. I’m eternally grateful.
Thank you to Bolinda Audio for always bringing my stories to life so beautifully, and to Hannah Norris for her outstanding narration.
Many thanks to Brian Dennis, the magical man behind the scenes who’s always there to make things flow more smoothly. Drew Keys for his enthusiasm over the years. Linda Anthony for all her tireless help and for her insights about the furry loves of our lives.
Russell Taylor for our spine-tingling conversations, especially the one that inspired this book. Dan Mitchell for enriching my stories and my life with his knowledge and passion. Bet Mitchell always for her love and friendship. My lovely Weirdo (Peter Wears) for many memorable and much-needed cups of tea. Ron Southern who taught me that history is in the eye of the beholder; I miss you, you mad old buzzard!
Thank you to my friend across the sea Vera Nijveld, for our sparkling connection and for getting me hooked on the best band EVER! Aunty Nancy (Hannah Banister) for a lifetime of family anecdotes that so often find their way into my books. Bob Ruthven and Stuart Ruthven for help with research, and Hailey and Luke for turning out to be such cool people.
A really special thank you to my mum Jeanette for inspiring me with her courage and resourcefulness, and for all our wonderful talks about books, history, and life. My dad Bernie, for the tall tales he told me growing up. My sister Sarah for all her help and support, and for loving me even when I’m a babbling overworked wreck. My sister Katie for bringing fun and sparkle into my life, and for continuing to remind me what’s important.
Lastly, a heartfelt thank you to my readers all over the world who brighten my writing journey with their good wishes and encouragement.
My love and thanks to you all,
Anna Romer