As I write, I have yet to hold an actual copy of my book in my hands but when I finally do, it will be like holding an Oscar—it’s been that big a dream. This is my acceptance speech:
I would like to thank:
Celine Kelly, who when this novel was a germ of an idea, made me believe it was a good one and encouraged me to write it. My friend and mentor, Joanna Briscoe, who offered to read the first few chapters and ended up devouring the entire manuscript, then placed me in the skilled hands of Sophie Wilson. Thanks again to Joanna for recommending me to the woman who would become my longed-for agent, the magnificent Felicity Blunt at Curtis Brown. Felicity, your genius in nailing this book’s title and placing me with the best publishing houses has allowed me to call myself by my other favorite title, “author.”
Also at Curtis Brown, thank you to the inimitable Gordon Wise, for insisting never to represent me, not wanting to risk our friendship—I never liked you anyway! To Lucy Morris, the best surrogate and guide, and to Melissa Pimentel and team who took me into territories beyond my wildest expectations. And to Kristyn Keene Benton at ICM, New York—your work and support across the pond are truly appreciated.
Here comes the Gwyneth moment (sobs): I have been blessed with three outstanding professionals: my talented, incisive editors, Susanna Wadeson, at Transworld, and Pamela Dorman and Jeramie Orton at Pamela Dorman Books/Viking Penguin. Your guidance, care, and keen observations have helped craft this book into a far, far better one. The Oscar is yours, too!
My writing journey started long before this novel. Over the past ten years and several courses, I have had the privilege of meeting fellow writers, some of whom have become lifelong friends. Thank you to my special gang: Val Phelps, Sadie Morgan, and the much-missed-but-never-forgotten Grace French, for your support and love, and for the weekends of laughter, food, and wine and the very occasional writing exercise.
To my friends who have kindly been my readers, special mention goes to Genevieve Nikolopulos who has doggedly read almost every manuscript I’ve ever written. To Rebecca Lacey: Becs! Who knew your wise piece of advice would inspire the book that became the one? Thanks, too, to Judy Chilcote, Basi Akpabio, Melanie Sykes, Rebecca Rimington, Kim Creed, my cousins Joanne Millett and Julia Schwarzmann, sista Louise Roberts in Sydney, Martin Olson in LA, and to Lynzie Rogers in New York, who championed me when silence might have served her better. Hero!
I am fortunate to have many special mates who have stood on the sidelines, cheering me on. Among them Janet Ellis, Patrick Finnegan, Amanda Hellberg, Rosie Phipps, Juliet Blake, Georgia Clark, Nicola Kelly, Vicki McIvor, Tracey Cox, Peter Thompson, Lesley Goldberg, Lloyd Millett, Francesca Cantor, the Briefs (my US “family”), and my regular cohort Marc van Schie (always there at the significant moments of this journey)—thank you all. Shout out to Wayne Brookes, the first industry person to truly believe in me. To my lovely ex-neighbor Eleanor Fea for her HR guidance, I hope I got it right. And to Federico Andornino, whose friendship, enthusiasm, and advice are inestimable. Grazie!
And now to my sons, Alexander and Joseph Stolerman. I know with every rejection over each passing year, you wondered why the hell I was putting myself through the pain. Thank you for keeping the faith. I am proof that failure is merely a stepping-stone. Tenacity is all.
And Mabel. Dog lovers among you will understand how special this mixed breed wonder is in my life. Mabel has been curled up next to me the entire time I have pawed (yes, I know!) over this manuscript. She is my laughter tonic and always the most pleased to see me. Yes, Mabes, you can have a treat.
And now I’m being given my cue to leave the stage. . . .*drops mic.*