Thank you to my parents, Elizabeth and James Thomas. Mum – for reading Threadneedle more than anyone, possibly more than me. For someone as magical as you to love its magic meant the world to me from the start. And dad – for taking it upon yourself, with your usual dedication, to proofread the entire book. One day, maybe, I’ll be as good at grammar as you. Rowan’s house is inspired by the home I grew up in – a place of warmth, kindness, silliness and laughter (and a constant supply of freshly made cakes). I am so lucky to have parents like you, who have supported all my weird and wonderful endeavours over the years; who have always believed in me and made me believe anything is possible. Without you, this book would simply not exist.
My husband, James Williams, who has been witness to every stage of madness in the creation of Threadneedle and its world. You have always supported my dream without question and I love that you take such joy in seeing me flourish. Thank you for always being there with your wise words of encouragement and often-needed hugs. And the Williams family who took me in when I first moved to London and have always made me feel part of the family.
My brother, Rhodri Thomas, for having such faith in me that you became Threadneedle’s first and only investor, lending me the money I needed to make ends meet when writing it. And for being its first reader and reading it in a single day (fastest reader I know). My sister, Ffion Currie, for your creativity and strength. I know I can always turn to you for sage advice and a push in the direction I need to go. My hugely supportive brother-in-law, Cameron Currie, and your amazing children who always light up my imagination: Llio, Dylan and Eily.
Roger Couhig, the coolest uncle and best storyteller I’ve ever met.
My friends and personal coven members, Abigail Tryhorn, Alison Palmer-Quinn and Sanaa Ibrahim. I knew Threadneedle could be something when you all read it and loved it. Abi’s feedback remains my favourite of all time: ‘I think Attis could be topless more’. Zuzanna Reymer who always has my back. Chloe Battle and Orla Keefe, my circle of love. Bethan Walker and Jennie Herbert – our weird antics at school live inside this book.
My wonderful agent Alice Lutyens who believed in Threadneedle from the very start even though it wasn’t a straightforward book to take on. You have remained its fierce and passionate advocate.
Natasha Bardon and the team at HarperVoyager whose creativity and hard work have brought this book to life. I remember our first meeting – the hour flew by in a whirr of discussion and laughter, and I knew I’d found my people.
The early readers of Threadneedle whose feedback was invaluable: Jayne Ebury and Melissa Magment – your extraordinarily detailed notes helped shape the book into what it is today – Sophie Williams, Annie Eaton, Ellie Hearsum, Neela Patel, Claudia Roberts, Julien Clin, Angus Dunsire, Matthew Rothwell, Martyna Reymer, Lorna Dixon, Jackie Harries and Heather Lazarus.
Lynne Clifton, a wonderful artist, who gave flourish to my Threadneedle letters with her magical handwriting.
And my son, Taliesin Williams, who has absolutely no awareness of Threadneedle but has reminded me that the real world can be just as magical as the imagined one.