Writing acknowledgements is a bit like staggering over the finish line at the end of a marathon. Your heart is full, your brain is so fried that you’re fresh out of words, but you’re so damn grateful because you know you could never have made it without the team behind you.
Therefore, to all the ‘shoulders’ who helped me and this book to reach the publication finish line, I offer my warmest hugs, lip-smacking kisses and victory salutes. We made it!
Special thanks to:
Jo Mackay – I could not ask for a more enthusiastic and supportive publisher. You are the ray of sunshine among the clouds of self-doubt. Thank you, thank you, thank you. And for the brilliant cover concept, thank you again.
Annabel Blay – a wise and witty editor, whose margin notes have the most delightful voice. Who knew that editing could be fun??! You are wonderful.
Sarah JH Fletcher – your attention to detail is extraordinary and I’m in genuine awe of your proofreading brain. Thank you for your close attention to every word in this book.
Natilka Palka, Johanna Baker and Adam Van Rooijen – what a crew! You are the experts at getting books into the hands of readers, and you are terrific fun to be around. What more could an author ask for?
Jenny Kremmer – you read this book in its first draft (you poor soul) and helped me to take it to the next level. Many thanks.
The Bundanon Trust – for the most productive two weeks by the banks of the beautiful Shoalhaven River. Thank you for the gift of peace and quiet – albeit interrupted by the occasional wombat and kangaroo.
To all the bloggers, podcasters and authors who help to spread the word about my books and, of course, to the booksellers who provide that crucial link to readers – I’ve been blown away and humbled by the support. The community of readers and writers in this country is genuinely wonderful – a beacon of kindness in what can sometimes feel like a slightly brutal world.
To my friends and extended family – you have shown up for me, literally and metaphorically, time and again over the past year and, for a new author, that means everything.
To the Hamer/Davis crew, Sade, Muz, Tim, Jacks, Felic, Zoe, Elliot, Jess, Mims and Jack – our times together are always the best. But can we agree to freeze time so everyone can stop getting older? In particular, to Muz and Sade for enduring my author talks more times than most, and never once expressing anything other than positivity. And also to Jen, for your ongoing interest and support.
Mum and Dad – if you need or want a new career in book publicity, it’s yours! You have pushed my books into the hands of more people than I can count. When it comes to me and my writing, you are completely one hundred per cent biased, and I love it. Every child should know such love in their lives.
Ruby, Sasha and Lucy – this book is, rightly, dedicated to you. In the last book, I said I hoped you were proud of me. Now, I know for sure that you are and it is the best feeling in the world. I’m proud of you, too.
Sam – every night before we go to sleep I tell you I love you and in your dry way, with the humour that brought us together, you joke back, ‘No you don’t.’
But I do. A thousand times over I do. This whole caper could not, and would not, happen without you.