Writing a book is no small undertaking and there are always many people to thank.
Selwa Anthony, my beloved literary agent, has always known exactly what to do to advance my career while not compromising my heart: that is her gift to all her authors.
The wonderful people I work with in publishing, across many houses, enrich and inspire me (and send me free books): Jo Mackay, Vanessa Radnidge, Anne Groell, and many others.
My colleagues in my ‘other life’ as an academic are too many to name, but I must make special mention of Lisa Fletcher and Beth Driscoll, who always help me make sense of the world and my place in it.
I am blessed with so many friends and travelling companions in the writing community, again too many to name. But I wrote this book particularly for the reading pleasure of Mary-Rose MacColl (unofficial big sister), Lisa Hannett (for Viking and hiking), Lizzie and Meg (everyday therapy), and my ‘kindred spirit’, Kate Forsyth, to whom the story is dedicated.
There are many in my private life who have to put up with my absences, both physical and mental, while I write. I hope they know how grateful I am and how lucky I feel. All my love to the three stars by which I navigate: Ollie, Luka and Astrid. Blessings to my wonderful mother, who always lets me be me; my brother, who loves the sea; and a special shout out to my ‘out-laws’, Mirko, Nikki, Pixie, and all associated Rucks.
My time spent away in Thyrsland has supplied me some of the richest and most pleasurable experiences of my life. To all of the readers who have joined me there, thank you. I’m glad you get it too.