Writing a book during a pandemic, it turns out, is really difficult. I mostly got through thanks to the help of others.
Mark Choi, Chrissy Lu, and Amanda Suarez came with me to Florida and kick started the entire adventure.
Ryan Harrington helped me shape the idea into a book. A number of people read pages in various stages of completion, including Alex Morrell, Esme Benjamin, and Amber Snider, who all gave me excellent feedback and criticism. I also need to acknowledge Ryan Kristobak, because I forgot to thank him in my previous book, and Sean Williams, who’s always an excellent collaborator.
My family helped me continue working even while I made the painful mid-pandemic move from the United States to the United Kingdom, and were, as ever, immeasurably supportive. They include Janice Ward, Roland Ward, Peter Brown, Alice Ward, Meirion Hughes, and Wendy Hughes.
All the people interviewed for the book were extremely generous with their time and patience, guiding me through this gigantic topic.
The grant I received from the Society of Authors and the K Blundell Trust allowed me to focus in a weird and anxious time.
Carl Bromley, my editor, managed to make sense of everything I wrote and turned it into something readable.
And my wife Seren Hughes, who was always there, and continually inspires and supports me.