The three years I spent researching, writing and rewriting this novel have brought so many wonderful, knowledgeable and generous people into my life. Finally I get to publicly thank them here.
First, my dear friends who, when I said to them, ‘My next novel is going to be about a medieval brewer,’ didn’t fall about laughing, but showed (or feigned!) real interest. Only my husband, Stephen, my son, Adam, and daughter, Caragh, understood the irony — that someone who doesn’t drink beer had made the decision to craft a novel about and thus devote a few years of her life to the amber liquid. And you know what? They didn’t doubt for a second I would do it — now that’s a loving family!
To my fabulous friend Kerry Doyle who, along with Stephen, read an early draft and offered kind and sage feedback — you’re a rock. Kerry and I go back a long way; through some very bad times her enthusiasm, care for others and bright shiny spirit have never dimmed — thank you. Also to Jim McKay who, after reading a few chapters, encouraged me to please continue — I did, Jim, and here it is, in no small part due to you. Thanks must go as well to Joanna Lindsay. Beside me through writing this book, she was happy to share a w(h)ine or three whenever either of us needed it and listen to me ramble on about all things medieval and brewing.
Katherine Howell, author extraordinaire, is the best writing buddy one could wish for. If it wasn’t for the hours we spent on email and phone, supporting each other through conception, drafting and editing, these last three years would have been a poorer experience indeed. Thank you so much, Katherine.
Huge thanks must also go to my beloved friend Dr Frances Thiele, whose harp music not only soothes and inspires me as I write, but who is also my go-to person for historical conundrums. Franny, you’re a wonder. Thank you to my gorgeous and dearest of friends, Dr Lesley Roberts, who travelled throughout the UK with me on a fact-checking and creative mission — not just for this novel, but my next two as well. We shared a room in some strange and marvellous places, numerous adventures, so many laughs and discovered extraordinary people and places that will weave their way into future books. Thank you for being beside me in every sense of the word, Lesley. I love you dearly.
Thank you also to my sister, Jenny (who was by my side the day the idea for the story was born), my Uncle Peter, Aunt Helen, Peter Goddard, Sheryl Gwyther, Alison and Greg Hall, Dr Anthony Eaton, Margaret Wenham, Dr Lisa Hill, Dr Malcolm Maclean, Jason Russell, Danny Matheson and Kazuo Ikeda at Jam Jar in Battery Point (where I spent many hours thinking and researching), and the Prince of Wales and Shippies (my fabulous and fun local drinking holes where I could witness litres of beer being consumed in a convivial atmosphere and among friends such as Christina Schulthess, Peter Jenkins and Ali Gay). Klaus Stroehl and Sandra Poth for ensuring my German was accurate. Danke Schön alles Liebe. Thanks also to my wonderful mum, Moira Adams, and mother-in-law, Pat Brooks, both of whom always asked how the writing was going, even when I know they didn’t really want to hear the answer — love you both very much.
Brewers are such generous people. I’d only ever met one, my friend Nick Cleave (and thank you, Nick, for your help as well) until I embarked on this novel and, since then, I am fortunate to call more of them mates. Those brewers and distillers I contacted were unstinting with their time, knowledge and, frankly, their support of my idea — this woman they didn’t know then and may yet regret they ever met. Over a dram or a drink or two, they would discuss, demonstrate and answer my endless questions about brewing, opening their minds and hearts. My gratitude to Bill and Lyn Lark from Lark in Hobart, the place where the idea for The Brewer’s Tale was born, cannot be expressed enough. They have since become dear friends and thanking them here is only a small part of what I owe for the love and care they’ve extended to Stephen and me since we moved to Hobart, let alone their interest in this novel. I also want to thank their fantastic staff, from the erudite and kind Mark Nicholson, to head distiller Chris Thomson, and Becs the barmaid who, unbeknownst to her, with her husky voice and tales of whisky, sent me on this journey in the first place.
I also want to thank Ash Huntingdon of Two Metres Tall, and Owen Johnson — then of Moo Brew — who was fantastic. Likewise, Scot Wilson-Browne of Red Duck Brewery, Alfredton, Victoria — thank you. The passionate and intelligent work of some fabulous beer historians, beer aficionados, journalists and medieval historians, whose work on brewing, craft brews, the Middle Ages, England, London and Southwark, women, the history of beer and other alcohol, has been utterly invaluable throughout the writing process.
I also want to thank my publisher, Harlequin. From the moment Sue Brockhoff read my manuscript, her boundless enthusiasm for Anneke’s story has been infectious and quite incredible to experience. Likewise, my brilliant editors, Linda Funnell and Stephanie Smith. Linda and Stephanie, you are both a writer’s gift and I am eternally grateful that you were given to me.
I want to thank the magnificent management, sales and marketing team at Harlequin especially Michelle Laforest, Cristina Lee, Adam Van Rooijen, Adrian Kaleel, Camille Poshoglian, Lauren Roberts, Annabel Blay, Calla MacGregor, Emma Noble and all the fabulous others who helped bring my novel to life.
This book would never have seen the light of publishing day had it not been for the commitment and belief of my extraordinary agent, Selwa Anthony. When I first explained my idea, she offered nothing but encouragement, even cracking her velvet whip when I started to take a bit too long to complete it. I feel so blessed to be part of her writing family and don’t tell her enough how much it means to me — hence The Brewer’s Tale is dedicated to her, again as a part thanks for believing in what I love doing and being there for me.
The support and love of my children keeps me going and while I know they’re proud of me, it’s only a fraction of the pride I feel in them — thank you Adam and Caragh.
I want to thank my readers — without you, this book would not live beyond these pages or my imagination. This is for you as well.
I wish to acknowledge my beloved friend, Sara Douglass (Warneke) who, though she is no longer here for me to laugh, chat and sláinte with, still sustains me when I recall her marvellous wit, wisdom and generosity. I miss her every day.
Always last and never least, I want to thank my beloved, Stephen. Inspired by my research and my growing devotion to — if not the drink beer, then certainly the process and the magic brewers achieve — he has started his own craft brewery, Captain Bligh’s Ale and Cider in an old brewery in the heart of Hobart. Encouraging my writing, listening to me opine about medieval techniques (even as he was trying to master his own contemporary ones), Stephen as always has been unflinching in his support, energy, and commitment to what I do. Certainly, he loved being my research assistant and we had so many fun times arguing about and tasting different brews as well as making many of our own. We’re a good recipe, my love. This, like all my books, is for you.