Writing is said to be a solitary occupation—this was not the case with The Horse Thief. So many people had a hand in this story and I am so grateful for their support.
First and foremost Sue Brockhoff who took my garbled pitch at the 2014 Sydney RWA Conference and believed in my story, then Romance Writers of Australia, because without that wonderful organisation there would be no conferences, no pitches and, most importantly, no critique partners.
I couldn’t do without my writing buddies—Eva Scott, Ann B Harrison, Joanna Lloyd and Sarah Barrie. Thank you for reading, re-reading, fixing my dilute genes, sorting nineteenth century legalities and putting up with my incessant ramblings. I would be lost without my editor, too. Sharon Ketelaar, please accept my heartfelt thanks for your never-failing patience and vice-like grip on timelines.
I would like to acknowledge Sandra Earle, the event coordinator of Tocal Homestead. Her comprehensive behind-the-scenes tour of the beautifully preserved colonial farm buildings and their fascinating contents made The Horse Thief come to life. I recommend a visit if you’re ever in the area.
And last but not least, Katy Clymo, thank you for the up-close-and-personal account of the finish line at Flemington.