Being a writer mostly means sitting at a keyboard and typing one letter after another until the story is done. “Done,” in the case of Deception Island, meant almost half a million finished letters—written, critiqued, rewritten, deleted, revised, edited, edited and edited again, proofread and, finally, printed.
The process isn’t nearly as lonely as that might sound. I would not be fortunate enough to be writing an acknowledgments page for my debut novel if it weren’t for the encouragement, advice and support of dozens of friends, fellow writers and industry professionals:
My editor Allison Carroll and agent Nalini Akolekar, who believed in me and this story from the first chapter, and their colleagues at HQN Books and Spencerhill Associates.
My critique partners, beta readers and writing cheerleaders, who keep me positive, accountable and sane: Christine Sheehy, Cassandra Gaisford, C. A. Speakman, Gina Hagedorn, Mia Kay, Kari Lemor, Carol Opalinski and M. A. Grant.
The talented writers who’ve so generously given up their time to mentor me: Donna Alward, Valerie Parv and Daphne Clair. And the editors whose perceptive advice has been instrumental in helping me grow as a writer, especially Laurie Johnson.
The many people who’ve given me technical advice on this story, including Brad McEvoy, J. M. Bray, Deb Harkness, Lynette Eyb, Pippa McKelvie, Matt Otway and Mark Dunn. Any errors are my responsibility alone.
The writing associations and groups that have kept me encouraged and inspired, and given me invaluable opportunities to learn and develop: Romance Writers of New Zealand, The Ink Spot, the Dragonflies, Flash Forward, the Harlequin Community, Romance Writers of Australia, and Romance Writers of America and its Kiss of Death chapter.
And my beautiful husband and sons. Love you guys to infinity.